What is Combined Heat and Power (Co-Generation)?

 

As its' name suggests, a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant is a system that uses a fuel to generate electricity and heat at the same time. Combined Heat and Power modules (CHP modules) are compact energy generation units that provide a de-centralised (local) supply of heat and power with a consumer focus at an overall efficiency of around 90%. Compared with Grid supplied electricity, this allows for saving in carbon foot print, greenhouse gas emissions and a significant decrease in costs.  Depending on the fuel comparison, this means the emission of up to 25% less nitrogen oxide (acid rain) and around 60% less carbon dioxide.  The generator operates on natural gas and is approximately 3 times cheaper per kWh than power generated from the grid.  Significant carbon and cost savings are achieved, as power and heat generated at point of use does not suffer grid power transmission losses or wasted heat through the familiar Power Station Cooling Towers.

One of the ways of increasing the usage over the seasons is to use the heat in the summer months to provide cooling.  Systems called adsorption chillers can be used to produce chilled water from hot.  They do not require any additional power other than heat from the CHP unit.

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Application

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The range of suitable applications is wide.  Includes swimming pools, nursing homes, hospitals, hotels, offices, poultry farms, wood chip drying and small process plants.  The units are capable of self-starting and power demand matching so they can cope with variable demand and periods with no demand.

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