|
No complete application manual is currently available for CHP systems. Some preliminary guidelines are available here on a number of technical issues that are important for applying CHP systems for commercial buildings. The information is organized in the following major sections:
WHERE TO APPLY CHP SYSTEMS?
The primary technical criterion for applying a CHP system is that the need for electric power for a building should coincide with its need for heating or cooling. Electric power is first generated and then thermal energy is recovered for use in a process that is applicable for the site.
Since on-site generation improves power reliability by making it less dependent or completely independent of grid reliability, CHP systems become attractive where reliability of power is necessary, especially in situations where back-up power is installed or planned.
CHP systems become attractive because they reduce operating cost by savings generated through reduction in demand charges or peak rates for electrical consumption. Not only do CHP systems reduce your electric consumption from the grid because they generate electricity, they also offset the use of electricity by reducing the consumption of electricity to heat and/or cool a building. These savings are higher when the electric energy rates and power demand charges are high, especially if summer and peak demand charges apply, and gas rates are relatively lower. Therefore, consider applying CHP systems where
- electric energy rate and power demand charge are high relative to gas rate,
- and the building needs high reliability of power supply.
Even though in deregulated energy markets the prices of electric energy and gas may fluctuate significantly, CHP could remain attractive because many of the central station electric generating facilities that are now being built or considered use natural gas. Therefore, the price of electricity will likely fluctuate in concert with natural gas prices. Since CHP is more efficient, it is conceivable that the cost to provide your facility with both electricity and heat/cooling might become even more financially sound in a deregulated environment. In addition, the use of CHP may actually make the energy market more stable by reducing the peak demand on the electric grid.
CHP systems could be attractive for many types of buildings, including, but not limited to the following:
- Hospitals
- Educational facilities
- Office buildings
- Data Centers
- Nursing homes
- Hotels
|
- Supermarkets
- Refrigerated Warehouses
- Retail stores
- Restaurants
- Theaters
- Ice Arenas
|
Back To Top
DESIGN OF CHP SYSTEMS
Design of CHP systems depends on many factors, including the following:
- Building type
- Operating schedule
- Heating and cooling loads
- Electric and fuel demands
- Utility rates
- Electric energy buyback options
- Importance of power reliability
A couple of examples for integrating power generation equipment with various thermally-activated equipment are shown in the following two process schematics:
Various power generation equipment are suitable for different ranges power capacity needs. The following table shows the comparative capacity ranges and other information for various power generation equipment.
|
