Combined heat and power (CHP)

Combined Heat & Power (CHP or Cogeneration as it is also known) converts a single fuel into both electricity and heat in a single process at the point of use. CHP is highly energy efficient and as well as supplying heat and power, it can deliver a number of positive financial, operational and environmental benefits.

CHP is a well-proven technology, recognised worldwide as a viable alternative to traditional centralised generation.

In the more conventional centralised electrical generation processes (see diagram 1) much of the energy is wasted as there is no localised uses for the heat produced, which is simply lost into the atmosphere.

With CHP, (see diagram 2) an engine which is normally mains gas fuelled, is linked to an alternator to produce electricity. CHP maximises the fuel and converts it into electricity at around 30% efficiency and heat at around 55%. Heat is recovered from the engine by removal from the exhaust, water jacket and oil cooling circuits.

Typically a good CHP scheme can deliver an efficiency increase of anything up to 25% compared to the separate energy systems it replaces.

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