Waste heat recovery or cogeneration, also known as Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is the production of two kinds of energy - usually electricity and heat - from a single source of fuel. Cogeneration often replaces the traditional method of supplying multiple forms of energy such as purchasing electricity from the power grid and separately burning natural gas or oil in a furnace to produce heat or s
team. While the traditional method of delivering energy is convenient, it is very inefficient and wastes up to two - thirds of the energy in the original fuel. Utility customers pay for those losses in their electrical rates - and always have. On-site cogeneration systems not only generate electricity more efficiently than central power stations, they capture and use most of the heat that is normally wasted. Depending on your application, the integration of power and heat production into one on-site cogeneration system can generate savings of up to 35% for total energy expenditures. And if you're a big energy user, these savings can go right to your profits. THe principles of cogneration have long been known and put to use in a wide variety of applications. Today, advances in diesel, lean-burn gas reciprocating engine technology, micro turbines, heat exchangers and system controls, make cogeneration both practical and economical for applications as small as 30 kW. A cogeneration system normally consists of a prime mover turning an alternator to produce electricity, and a waste recovery system to capture heat from the exhaust and cooling jacket water. The prime mover can be a diesel engine, a lean-burn gas reciprocating engine or a gas turbine. Nearly 90% of the energy in the original fuel is put to productive use. Energy savings and payback - if energy for power, heating or cooling is a big component of your costs, your energy savingswill be proportionalyelly large. Savings can lead to a quick payback on CHP systems investments when combined with tax credits, excess energy sales and cogeneration gas discounts offered by some utilities. Industry is moving towards cogeneration
Continuing changes in economics, technology and energy policies are combining to make cogeneration a smart, cost-effective choice. High electric power rates
Major advances in lean-burn gas reciprocating engines
the most efficient and proven cogeneration technology
have made cogeneration systems viable for a wider range of applications.
