Advantages and Applications of Combined Heat and Power

CHP is well-suited to facilities with higher thermal loads, consistent electric and thermal energy requirements, and round-the-clock operations.

Campus institutions, such as universities and hospitals, often benefit from aggregating energy needs in a district energy CHP system.  Advances in reciprocating engines and smaller combustion turbines with capacities starting at 25kW now make it feasible for smaller, single-building users to take advantage of CHP technology.

A variety of approaches to system design have evolved, including firms that can provide design and build services, independent builder/owner/operators, and vendors who offer comprehensive energy supply and services.

Combined Heat and Power offers these important advantages:

CHP systems improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs.

• Total system efficiencies of 75% to 85%
• Cuts energy costs by as much as 40%
• Produces power at rates lower than electric utility
• Reduces peak electric energy costs and demand charges
• Recovers and turns heat lost during power generation into usable thermal energy
• Simple paybacks on investment as little as 2 to 3 years
• Helps contribute to U.S. economic growth through more efficient use of resources and capital

CHP systems help the environment.

• Significantly reduces emissions of NOx, SOx and CO2
• Helps business meet mandated air pollution limits
• More efficiently and economically prevents, rather than treating, polluting emissions

CHP systems enhance power reliability and quality.

• Reduces vulnerability to power outages
• Reduces or eliminates dependence on electric utility
• Ratio of electrical and thermal energy can be easily varied

CHP systems are right for many facilities.

• Designs options range from large district energy systems for multi-building  complexes to 25kW packaged systems for smaller buildings
• Well-suited to high thermal loads and consistent electrical/thermal needs
• System components can be optimized to users needs from a variety of technologically advanced equipment choices