Gas CHP
Combined Heat & Power (CHP) systems are engines or turbines that burn fuel to produce both heat and electricity.
These systems are more efficient than power stations as all the heat is captured and utilized. A variety of plant can be used including traditional reciprocating engines (as in a car), gas combined cycle gas turbines and fuel cells. The power produced is typically used at source or fed into the national grid when demand is low. The heat energy is used to provide hot water and space heating.
In some situations absorption chiller units can be added to provide space cooling. A crucial factor in the viability of combined heat and power plant is the availability of a summer heat load. Swimming pools, mixed use developments and hotels are well suited. CHP systems can be supplied from 12 kWth upwards. Metering and billing systems will need to be in place to charge for the heat and power delivered to on-site consumers and for the electricity exported to the grid.
Viability is highly dependent on the density of development and the costs of laying communal heating pipe work.
Summary
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Combustion of natural gas in turbine or reciprocating engine to produce electricity and heat with typical efficiencies of 35 per cent electric and 45 per cent thermal
- Capacity factor of 60 per cent
- Constraints: site heat demand, development density, export price for electricity, maintenance costs, plant space
- Advantages: efficient electricity generation, cost effective in the right location
- Typical Lifespan of 15 years
Examples
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In October 2002, MHS homes installed Two ‘Dachs' mini-CHP units in Elizabeth House as part of an upgrade to reduce the costs of providing heating, hot water and electricity to the 21 apartments. To view click here.
