Cogeneration

Introduction

Cogeneration is a very useful technology that is used to produce heat and electricity. It is commonly known as CHP, which is Combined Heat and Power. In this study, there will be a discussion based on the concept of the cogeneration system. In addition, the types of cogeneration power plants and the working method of cogeneration systems will be covered. By the end of this study, the comprehensive benefits of this system can be analysed concisely.

The concept of Cogeneration System 

A cogeneration system is defined as an energy system that possesses the ability to produce two crucial outputs such as electricity and heat simultaneously.  In recent times, the most usable form of a cogeneration system is CHP. This is efficient because it produces both the outputs of electricity and heat simultaneously as a single unit. In the CHP cogeneration system, fuel bends or fuel are used in a gas turbine or furnace to produce electricity as the primary output. In addition to this, the wasted heat can be used for other heating purposes including domestic heating or space heating. It has been observed that the cogeneration system currently supplies 15 percent of the heat and 11 percent of electricity in Europe. Thus, the mentioned process helps in reducing the energy costs of a business.

According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), India has installed 8,181 MW bio power capacities such as grid-connected biomass, bagasse cogeneration, and gasification. In addition, 70 cogeneration projects with 800 MW were implemented in the country as of August 2017. The traditional power plants wasted around 40 to 70 percent of the energy that they consumed while generating electricity. India has invested $72.292m to implement a 50MW project of Shri Dutt Cogeneration Power Plant in Maharashtra. The purpose of this development is to recover the wastage of energy during electricity generation. In this context, the cogeneration system diverges, the burning of extra fuel for heating which in turn saves energy. 

What is the significance of the Cogeneration system? 

The cogeneration system offers significant advantages for both the society and its users. 

• Enhance energy efficiency: The cogeneration system is 40 percent more efficient as compared to the traditional power generation system. 
• Support renewable energy: The system can be run by renewable resources such as fossil fuel, biogas, and biomass thus it is cost-effective. 
• Increased energy system: Cogeneration systems can generate a large amount of heat and electricity simultaneously in a certain place. This brings resilience and flexibility to the energy system, which in turn helps to grow intermittent renewable sources such as wind power and solar power. 
• Reduce transmission cost: Since both electricity and heat are produced as a single output from the system, hence it reduces the operative costs. 

What are the types of Cogeneration Power Plants

The types of cogeneration power plants include combined cycle plant of CHP, steam turbine, internal type of combustion engine and gas turbine. These are used for the utilization of heat engines for the generation of electricity and heat. Low fuel can be utilized for the production of equal quantities of energy. CHP can be considered as the major provider for the improvement of weather change and has consistent benefits in the energy supply. 

How does the cogeneration system work?

The cogeneration system can be created around a primary mover, which can be a reciprocating part of an engine, fuel cells or turbine. This primary mover can be coupled with an alternator whenever it is applicable. It is responsible for the conversion of chemical energy, which is present in the fuel to electrical energy. The mentioned process of creation of energy also helps in the generation of heat. A unit of CHP is responsible for the generation of electricity and it gives the advantage of utilization of excess heat, which is used for heating purposes. It helps in the reduction of carbon emissions and helps in the saving of cost.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that cogeneration is the process of creation of electricity from wasted form of heat. During the generation of electricity from natural gas or coal, only a part of the actual energy has been released by the process of combustion and is responsible for the conversion into electricity. The remaining form of energy has been lost in the form of the wasted part of heat. In CHP plant, this wasted heat has been recovered for various types of applications such as the process of space heating and other industrial phenomenon that requires the presence of heat.