Combined heat and power (CHP), also known as cogeneration, is the simultaneous production of electricity and heat from a single fuel source, such as: natural gas, biomass, biogas, coal, waste heat, or oil.
CHP is not a single technology, but an integrated energy system that can be modified depending upon the needs of the energy end user.
CHP provides:
- Onsite generation of electrical and/or mechanical power.
- Waste-heat recovery for heating, cooling, dehumidification, or process applications.
- Seamless system integration for a variety of technologies, thermal applications, and fuel types into existing building infrastructure.
The two most common CHP system configurations are:
- Gas turbine or engine with heat recovery unit
- Steam boiler with steam turbine
Steam Boiler With Steam Turbine
Steam turbines normally generate electricity as a byproduct of heat (steam) generation, unlike gas turbine and reciprocating engine CHP systems, where heat is a byproduct of power generation. Steam turbine-based CHP systems are typically used in industrial processes, where solid fuels (biomass or coal) or waste products are readily available to fuel the boiler unit.
IPU has an established track record of using hybrid boiler systems burning a variety of alternative fuels which have been proven to provide the lowest long term overall energy costs to our clients.