What is cogeneration?
The term cogeneration means combined production of electricity and heat. In contrast with common power plants, which emit the heat into atmosphere without secondary usage, the cogeneration unit stores the thermal energy which can be used elsewhere. Typical usage is off grid production of electricity and heating for bigger objects.
How does cogeneration unit work?
Conventional power station generates electricity by rotation of electric generator in turbine. The heat, which is necessary for steam production that keep turbine going is usually gained from coal burning or nuclear reaction. The total majority of the heat is than emitted intoatmosphere without secondary usage. Efficiency of this conventional power stations is around 30 %, and the most modern gas power stations have efficiency around 50 %. Another electricity losses rise during transformation and transportation of electricity.
Cogeneration units produce energy by the same way like conventional power stations (generator rotation). It usually uses combustion engine fueled by gas, but it can also burn other liquid and gas fuel (biogas, petrol).
The heat, which is produced during the combustion process, is effectively derived and can be used elsewhere. The cogeneration units can reach 80-90% efficiency.
Advantages of cogeneration:
Fuel savings:
Usage of cogeneration means 40% savings of fuel. In other words, user pays only 60 % for the same amount of heat.
Elimination of energy losses
Energy production in cogeneration unit takes place in the place of consumption, and therefore the losses during transportation is eliminated. The produced heat is usually used for heating of objects or for technological heat production.
Ecology
The 40 % savings in fuel consumption decreases CO2 emissions by the same percentage.
Energy for emergency cases
Cogeneration units are also used as emergency sources of electricity and heat (hospitals, hightech industry.
