FOSSIL FUELS

CHP: Cogeneration Plants (Combined Heat and Power)

Cogeneration is an energy solution that combines the generation of electricity and thermal energy from a single fuel in an efficient and manageable way, making better use of the heat capacity of the fuel and achieving improved energy efficiency of the installation.

The most important parts to highlight in this type of plants are:

• Fuel System: Ifnecessary, fuel is treated and stored in the plant as per combustion systems requirements.
• Turbine-Engine Group: Chemical energy of the primary fuel is transformed into mechanical energy, by using gas turbines or combustion engines. Then, the electrical energy is generated through a generator. For steam turbines, an additional system to generate steam is required.
• Thermal Use: in the case of combustion engines or gas turbines, the useful thermal energy in an industrial process comes from the combustion gases or cooling system of the combustion set. In the case of steam turbines, the steam can be extracted in the steam condensation stage or in the intermediate bleeds.
• Gas Cleaning System: The flue gases generated during the combustion are cleaned to ensure the emission limits required by the normative.
• Cooling System: The power plant has a cooling system, dry or wet, depending on water availability and environmental conditions.
• Electrical Substation: It allows the electrical connection to grid.

The benefits derived from these plants are:

• High Energy Efficiency: Combined generation of electricity and thermal energy can achieve efficiencies over 85%, far above the efficiencies of conventional power plants.
• Distributed Generation: Cogeneration plants can be installed close to heat and electricity consumers, allowing a more efficient use of energy.
• Security of Supply: Cogeneration not only provides energy, but also security of supply, offering power guarantee to consumer.
• Energy Management: Due to fuel used, cogeneration plants ensure a manageable energy production.