WHAT IS CHP? COMBINED HEAT AND POWER – THE COMPLETE GUIDE

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WHAT IS CHP? COMBINED HEAT AND POWER – THE COMPLETE GUIDE

INTRODUCTION

CHP stands for Combined Heat and Power. It refers to a technology that enables the production of both electricity and heat from a single fuel source.

CHP is an efficient way to generate power because it recycles the waste heat generated from the electricity production process to generate additional power or heat. This means that less fuel is needed overall to generate the same amount of power and heat, resulting in lower emissions.

There are many benefits to using CHP, including improved energy efficiency, reduced emissions, and lower operating costs. It can be used in a variety of settings, including commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings.

HOW DOES CHP WORK?

CHP works by using a fuel source (such as a diesel generator) to generate electricity. The heat generated from this process is then recycled to provide heating for buildings.

CHP can be implemented through either combustion-based or non-combustion-based methods. Combustion-based CHP uses an engine, like a diesel engine, to generate electricity. Non-combustion-based CHP uses a turbine or other renewable energy source to generate electricity. The waste heat from this process is then used to produce additional power or heat.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CHP?

There are many benefits to using CHP, including:

  • Increased efficiency: CHP is a more efficient way to generate power because it uses the waste heat from the electricity production process to generate additional power or heat. This means that less fuel is needed to generate the same amount of power and heat, resulting in lower emissions, and lower fuel costs. Because the whole system is integrated, maintenance costs can be lower. Less fuel used means less reliance on fuel distribution and transport.
  • Lower emissions: the UK government estimates that CHP systems can reduce carbon emissions by up to 30% in a typical installation.
  • Flexibility: CHP systems can be designed to meet the specific needs of a facility. For example, a CHP system can be designed to provide all of the power and heat for a building, or it can be designed to provide only part of the power and heat.
  • Reliability: CHP systems can provide backup power in the event of a power outage.
    Reduced energy costs: all of the above benefits lead to a reduction in energy costs – up to 20% reduction in typical cases. In today’s climate of high energy bills and reduced fuel security, a lower reliance on diesel fuel is vital.

WHO USES CHP?

CHP can be used in a variety of settings, including commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings. CHP is especially well suited for facilities that have a constant demand for power and heat, such as hospitals and universities.

In the UK, it’s estimated that there are over 2500 CHP installations in hospitals, university campuses, and industrial and residential environments. An example of efficiency is the University of California at San Diego, which has a CHP system that provides 50% of the campus’s electricity needs and 30% of its heating and cooling needs. The system has helped the university save millions of dollars in energy costs and has reduced its carbon footprint by over 40%.

IS CHP SUITABLE FOR MY PROJECT?

If you’re considering using CHP in your facility, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll need to determine the most appropriate technology for your application. There are many different types of CHP technologies available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The team at WBPS can help and advise, drawing on our knowledge of many CHP installations.

You’ll also need to consider the size and scale of your project. CHP systems can be designed for small applications (like a single building) or large ones (like an entire campus). The size of your project will impact the cost and complexity of the installation process.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has an online wizard which, when supplied with your current energy usage data, can estimate whether your site may be suitable for a CHP installation. See https://chptools.decc.gov.uk/CHPAssessment/(S(axklvr4akluqn4e1og0ds53i))/default.aspx

THE FUTURE OF CHP IN THE UK

At WB we are continually looking at ways to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and reduce carbon emissions. Whilst CHP is not a net-zero solution, we believe it’s likely to play an important role in getting us to net-zero by 2050. It is seen by many as a bridging solution, to be used whilst we transition to lower carbon fuels.

CHP SERVICES

At WBPS we have been providing CHP installations to businesses and third-sector environments for many years. The additional services we offer include:

TO RECAP:

The main benefit of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is that it can significantly increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional separate heat and power systems.

CHP systems generate electricity and capture waste heat produced during the process, which can then be used for space heating, water heating, and industrial processes. By utilizing the waste heat, CHP systems can achieve overall efficiencies of up to 90%, compared to 50% for traditional separate heat and power systems. This results in lower energy costs, reduced reliance on fossil fuels, and lower emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants.

Additionally, CHP systems can enhance energy security and reliability by providing backup power during grid outages.

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