Combined Heat & Power (CHP)
CHP (Combined Heat and Power), also known as cogeneration, is a highly efficient energy generation process that simultaneously produces electricity & useful heat from a single energy source. This approach contrasts with conventional power generation, where much of the energy is wasted as heat during electricity produc
What is CHP?
CHP (Combined Heat and Power), or cogeneration, is an energy-efficient technology that generates both electricity and useful heat simultaneously from a single energy source. It’s widely used in commercial, industrial, and residential settings to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.
Instead of wasting the heat produced during electricity generation (as happens in traditional power plants), CHP systems capture and use that heat for practical purposes like heating buildings, supplying hot water, or driving industrial processes.
How Does CHP Work?
CHP systems integrate electricity production with heat recovery in a single process.
Here's a step-by-step explanation:
Energy Input
The system uses a primary fuel such as:
- Natural gas
- Biogas
- Biomass
- Coal
- Hydrogen
This fuel powers the system's prime mover, which is the component responsible for generating mechanical energy.
Electricity Generation
The prime mover drives a generator to produce electricity. Common prime movers include:
- Gas turbines: Ideal for large-scale industrial use.
- Steam turbines: Common in power plants and industrial facilities.
- Reciprocating engines: Often used in smaller applications or localised CHP systems.
- Fuel cells: Emerging technology for efficient, low-emission power generation.
Heat Recovery
- During electricity generation, a significant amount of waste heat is produced. In traditional systems, this heat is often lost to the environment.
- In a CHP system, this heat is captured using a heat recovery unit, such as a heat exchanger.
Heat Utilisation
The recovered heat is distributed for useful applications, such as:
- Space heating: For buildings or district heating networks.
- Water heating: For residential or industrial needs.
- Industrial processes: Such as drying, chemical reactions, or manufacturing.
- Cooling: Via absorption chillers, which convert heat into cooling energy.
CHP Benefits
Energy Efficiency
- CHP systems achieve efficiencies of up to 80-90%, compared to separate electricity and heat generation, which typically has a combined efficiency of around 50%.
- By capturing and utilising waste heat, CHP reduces energy losses.
Cost Savings
- Lower Energy Costs: Produces electricity and heat on-site, reducing utility bills.
- Fuel Flexibility: Can use a variety of fuels, including natural gas, biogas, biomass, and hydrogen, allowing for cost optimisation.
- Reduced Transmission Losses: On-site energy generation eliminates costs associated with energy transmission and distribution.
Environmental Benefits
- Reduced Carbon Emissions: Improved efficiency results in lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional energy systems.
- Supports Renewable Energy: Can run on renewable fuels (e.g. biomass, biogas) for a lower-carbon footprint.
- Air Quality Improvements: Advanced CHP systems can use cleaner-burning fuels, reducing local air pollutants.
Energy Security
- On-Site Generation: Provides a reliable energy supply, reducing dependency on external energy sources.
- Grid Independence: Enhances resilience during power outages or grid disruptions.
- Peak Demand Management: Can offset peak energy loads, reducing strain on the local grid.
Versatility
- Heat Utilisation: Produces usable heat for space heating, water heating, cooling (via absorption chillers) and industrial processes.
- Scalability: Available in sizes ranging from micro-CHP systems for homes to large-scale industrial installations.
- Wide Applications: Suitable for industries, commercial buildings, hospitals, universities, and district heating systems.
Financial Incentives
- Government Support: Many countries offer grants, tax credits, or incentives for CHP adoption.
- Energy Market Participation: Excess electricity can often be sold back to the grid, providing additional revenue.
Improved Reliability
- Continuous Operation: Can provide power and heat even during grid outages, making it ideal for critical facilities like hospitals, data centres, and industrial plants.
- Load Balancing: Can help stabilise energy supply in areas with fluctuating demand.
Compliance and Sustainability Goals
- Helps businesses meet environmental regulations and corporate sustainability goals, such as reducing carbon intensity and improving energy performance.
- Aligns with ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives.
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