What is Combined Heat & Power?
Learning the Principles of CHP
The foundation of our technology for combined heat and power (CHP) systems is through cogeneration. CHP generation and cogeneration are often used interchangeably, with the term cogeneration being more widely used to describe the process, while CHP is referenced as the power plant. On this page, we introduce you to this technology and explain its functionality, demonstrating the role it can play in your daily operations.
Understanding Combined Heat & Power
The Backbone of CHP: Cogeneration
Cogeneration is a term used to describe the combined generation of electrical and thermal energy, more commonly called electricity and heat. Cogeneration is highly efficient, resulting in low fuel consumption, low greenhouse gas emissions, and elevated economic efficiency.
How does it work?
The main components of a CHP are the engine, generator, heat exchanger, and command and control units. Additional components, such as an exhaust system, and ventilation devices, can be specified by the customer per their needs and goals.
The combustion engine drives the generator, which, in turn, generates electricity. The heat generated by burning fuel inside the combustion engine is not disposed of through the cooling systems without being used. It is made available to the heating network through a heat exchanger, allowing up to 98 % of the primary energy to be consumed in the form of electricity and heat.
However, combined heat and power generation systems are not only capable of providing heating or warm water. The production of 'process heat' through steam, hot air, and thermal oil is also possible.
For engine-driven CHP systems, the following generally applies: The electrical output of a CHP directly corresponds to its electrical efficiency - in this case, more usually is more.
What type of fuel can you use?
CHP systems can operate on fossil as well as regenerative fuels. Liquid fuels, such as domestic heating oil, vegetable oil, or biodiesel, can be used in compression ignition engines. Gaseous fuels such as natural gas, liquefied gas, and biogas (as well as lean gases with small shares of burnable methane like sewage gas, landfill gas, or firedamp) are used in Otto engines, dual fuel engines, or gas turbines.
In the context of the progressing energy transition, hydrogen is a prime candidate to become a commonly used climate-neutral energy source, with production via excess wind and solar energy.
Combined heat and power generation systems by 2G are already capable of producing heat and electricity using 100% hydrogen.
THE PRINCIPAL OF COMBINED HEAT AND POWER GENERATION - CENTRAL VS DECENTRAL
Central | Conventional power plants
In large, centralized power plants, conventional power generation generates heat that escapes unused into the atmosphere.
Decentralized | Cogeneration
Cogeneration harnesses the waste heat generated during electricity production, allowing for significantly higher efficiency values.
What is meant by "decentralized energy supply"?
Cogeneration is a means of decentralized energy production, meaning that the energy is usually produced directly at the site of its consumption.
Unlike a centralized power station, the energy production of combined heat and power generation systems can be completely independent of the public energy network. This increases supply security since the generation capacities are spread out.
How can a 2G CHP system fit my needs?
Our product portfolio consists of 2G solutions from 50 kW to 2.5 MW, covering various applications. Since each CHP system can be specifically tailored to its intended application and is planned as part of a holistic solution, considerations of economic efficiency play a vital role from the get-go.
CHP systems can be operated with a focus on heat or electricity. Focusing on electricity means that the CHP's configuration and operation depend on the electricity demand. On the other hand, the required heat is the deciding factor with a heat focus. Needs for additional energies, like cooling, can also be covered if necessary.
Usually, the target is to have the highest possible system utilization rate, which leads to the full exploitation of available production capacities. However, the need for flexibly activated regulation and balancing capacities is growing parallel to the expansion of renewable energies. CHP systems can fill this need with an all-in-one solution.
Is a CHP considered renewable?
A reciprocating piston engine is the centerpiece of a CHP system. The fuel determines whether the energy produced with cogeneration can be considered renewable.
When fossil fuels like natural gas are used, cogeneration is much more efficient than conventional energy production. Moreover, the harmful gases produced by landfills and sewage treatment plants can be utilized to generate energy, effectively removing them from the environment - a double win.
Cogeneration is contributing to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Thanks to the option of converting a 2G CHP from natural gas to operate on hydrogen, the groundwork for a climate-neutral operation is readily available.
The bottom line is that Cogeneration is more than a bridge technology. It is the backbone of the energy transition.
