Combined heat and power (CHP), also known as cogeneration, is the concurrent production of electricity or mechanical power and useful thermal energy from a single source of fuel. Rather than discarding the heat that is generated from power production as unwanted waste, CHP systems are designed to capture and productively use this thermal energy. By capturing heat for cogeneration, the overall efficiency of the primary energy input can exceed 80% compared to just over 33% for conventional separate production of electricity and heat.

How CHP Systems Work
A basic Combined Heat And Power (CHP)  system consists of a fuel-fired prime mover, such as an engine, microturbine, gas turbine, or steam turbine, coupled with a generator to produce electricity. Heat that would normally be wasted from the exhaust, engine cooling systems, and other processes is recovered and utilized for applications such as space heating, domestic hot water, industrial processes, and absorption chilling. Thermal energy can be distributed in the form of hot water or steam through piping networks to buildings or industrial processes. This simultaneous production of useful heat and power makes CHP a very energy-efficient alternative to separate heat and power generation.

Major Types of CHP Systems
The three most common types of CHP systems are reciprocating engines, gas turbines, and steam turbines. Reciprocating engines, typically fueled by natural gas, are suitable for small- to mid-sized applications from 30 kW to 10 MW. Natural gas turbines generally range from 300 kW to 40 MW and are well suited for larger hospitals, college campuses, and industrial applications. Steam turbines powered by coal, natural gas, biomass, or other fuels are used for the largest CHP applications over 10 MW in size.

Get More Insights on, Combined Heat And Power (CHP)

Explore More On, Combined Heat And Power (CHP)