CHP (Combined Heat and Power)

HOW IT WORKS.

Combined Heat and Power {CHP} is the simultaneous generation of usable heat and power {usually electricity} in a single process, through the use of an absorption cooling cycle.

CHP is a highly efficient way to use both fossil and renewable fuels and can therefore make a significant contribution to the UKs sustainable energy goals, bringing environmental, economic, social and energy security benefits.

In there simplest form , CHP`s employ a gas turbine, an engine or a steam turbine to drive an alternator, and the resulting electricity can be used wholly or partially on-site.

CHP is a family of energy conversion processes, rather than a single technology, so it can be used to provide energy to anything from a single home to a large industrial plant, or even a whole city.

The Heat produced during power generation is recovered, usually in a heat recovery boiler to provide Hot Water and space heating.

BENEFITS.

CHP`s high efficiency leads to a reduction in the use of primary energy.

Precious fuels are then used much more efficiently and savings of between 15 % and 40 % can be made compared to imported electricity and on-site boilers.

Less fuel burnt means reduced emissions of Carbon Dioxide {the main greenhouse gas.}

IS IT SUITABLE FOR MY PROPERTY ?

In the home, a microCHP unit resembling a gas fired boiler will provide both heat for space and water heating, as does a boiler, but also electricity to power lights and domestic appliances.

MicroCHP units are a very new technology only recently appearing in the UK market, but the potential for them is as large as the number of homes in the country.

Homes and Buildings fitted with CHP are usually also connected to the mains electricity grid, and may also retain back-up boilers, so that they are never short of an energy supply, during maintenance of the CHP plant, for example, or during periods of unusually-high energy demands.