Advantages of cogeneration plants
Cogeneration systems play a key role in the projects implemented by Clear Energy, combining business with sustainable development. The high energy efficiency of such systems allows us to significantly save resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and, as a result, reduce the negative impact on the environment. Cogeneration is not only beneficial in terms of energy efficiency, but also contributes to the sustainable development of the planet.
The main feature of the system is the simultaneous generation of electricity and heat within the same process of primary energy consumption. This combined heat and power production is 30% more efficient than conventional methods due to increased productivity, reuse of waste energy and distributed production. This solution can reduce fuel consumption by half.
How does the system work?
A combined heat and power (CHP) system based on a gas reciprocating engine operates on the principle of simultaneous production of electricity and useful heat from a single fuel source, usually natural gas.
The main stages of such a system are:
1. Fuel combustion: A gas-fired plant uses natural gas, which is burned in a combustion chamber. This generates the heat that is needed to run the plant.
2. Piston rotation: The combustion of the gas increases the pressure in the cylinders of the reciprocating engine, which causes the piston to rotate. This mechanical motion is transmitted to the generator, which produces electrical energy.
3. Heat extraction: After the gas is combusted, a large amount of heat remains in the system, which is normally vented to the atmosphere. In cogeneration systems, however, this heat is used to heat water or air.
4. Heat can be recovered from: Exhaust gases, which still have a high temperature. Engine cooling, where heat is removed through the coolant.
5. Heat utilisation: The collected heat can be used for space heating, domestic water heating or in industrial processes. This increases the overall efficiency of the system.
6. Efficiency: Cogeneration systems can achieve an overall efficiency of 70-90%, which is significantly higher than the efficiency of individual heat or power generation.
Thus, a cogeneration system makes efficient use of energy resources, reducing CO2 emissions and lowering energy costs. This makes the system more reliable and cost-effective.
The main advantages of cogeneration:
Energy efficiency and high productivity: reducing energy costs by up to 30%.
Quality and security of electricity supply: reduced dependence on centralised grids. Cogeneration allows enterprises and utilities to have their own energy source, which increases the reliability of supply.
Distributed generation: lower losses during energy transmission.
High reliability: stable operation, even in off-grid conditions.
Reduced infrastructure costs: The use of cogeneration plants can reduce the need for large transmission and distribution networks.
Industrial competitiveness: The efficiency of the system contributes to economic growth.
Support for local energy needs: Cogeneration contributes to the development of local energy projects, which increases the economic sustainability of regions.
Environmental sustainability: Reducing energy consumption and switching to cleaner fuel sources.
Environmental impact
Cogeneration is important in the fight against climate change. According to studies, it helps to save 1.5 million tonnes of oil equivalent of primary energy annually, conserve 40 million cubic metres of water and avoid 7 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
Clear Energy focuses on environmental responsibility and integrates environmental solutions at all stages of projects: from design to maintenance. We invest in the efficiency and sustainable development of our customers by offering solutions that not only improve economic performance but also take care of the environment. Cogeneration and renewable energy are prime examples of our efforts.