Combined heat and power systems (CHP) are designed to maximise efficiency by simultaneously producing electricity and heat from a single fuel source. This innovative solution is perfect for businesses seeking to optimise energy consumption, reduce energy costs and take a transitional step towards net zero energy production.
How does this work?
In the realm of energy efficiency, a fuel source, be it fossil or renewable, undergoes combustion. The resulting energy propels a prime mover, such as a reciprocating engine or gas turbine, generating mechanical power and heat. This mechanical power is seamlessly transformed into electricity via an alternator, while the produced heat can be used directly or converted to cater to site-specific needs.
The heat generated during this process is supplied to an appropriately matched heat demand that would otherwise be met by a conventional boiler. CHP systems are highly efficient, making use of the heat that would otherwise be wasted in the atmosphere when generating electricity. This enables heat requirements to be met that would otherwise require additional fuel to be burned.
For select applications, a CHP system achieves remarkable energy utilisation, reaching up to 100%. Typically, they attain a range of 80% plus, which marks a substantial leap from conventional grid electricity import and traditional heat generation. This leap in energy production efficiency translates to reduced production costs. Moreover, when carbon-based fuels are in play, the carbon footprint per unit of energy drops significantly.
By generating heat and power simultaneously, CHP can reduce carbon emissions by up to 30% compared to the separate means of conventional generation via a boiler and power station.
For many organisations, CHP is the measure that offers the most significant single opportunity to reduce energy costs and improve environmental performance - existing users of CHP typically save around 20% on energy costs during stable energy price markets and can save significantly more during volatile markets as we saw during 2022/23.
Advantages:
- At least 88% efficiency
- Save around 20-30% on energy bills
- Save up to 30% on carbon emissions
- Transmission and distribution losses are reduced
- Enhanced power resilience
CHP technology is well established and has been employed for many years, mostly in industrial, large commercial, and institutional applications. It is quick and cost-effective to deploy, with few geographic limitations.
Our CHP generators are designed to maximise efficiency by simultaneously producing electricity and heat from a single fuel source. This innovative solution is perfect for businesses seeking to optimise energy consumption, reduce energy costs and take a transitional step to meet net-zero targets.
*Source of data www.gov.uk/guidance/combined-heat-and-power
