Cogeneration technology

LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is one of the possible fuels for CHP units. Its low emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter support the reduction of the environmental impact of the power and heat generation. LPG allows relatively easy distribution and storage, making it ideal for smaller plants or remote areas with a limited access to other fuels. These are generally so-called island operations with their own storage tanks, i.e. locations where the necessary gas infrastructure is not available.

Combined production of power and heat, or cogeneration, is a method of generating the electric power that makes useful use of the heat released during the power generation process. This achieves a very high efficiency in the use of the energy in the fuel. At the same time, this process minimizes the losses that occur in the traditional power generation. Thanks to the efficient use of the ‘waste heat’, combined heat and power generation saves up to 70% of the energy contained in the fuel as compared to the separate heat and power generation.

CHP units bring innovation to the energy sector by being able, in addition to natural gas and various types of biogas, to use hydrogen for their operation. However, despite the advantages of green hydrogen, the high cost of hydrogen infrastructure is a major obstacle to its massive use. One of the solutions for using hydrogen in cogeneration is to blend it into natural gas. With a concentration of up to 20%, existing gas pipelines can be used without major modifications. This allows CHP units to use hydrogen now, again increasing the flexibility and energy efficiency of these plants. In addition, the combination of hydrogen and cogeneration opens the way to a more sustainable and lower-emission energy future.

Biomethane fueling CHP units represent an alternative in the use of biogas. Biomethane, obtained from the organic materials such as agricultural residues, landfill gas or organic waste, is used as a fuel for the CHP units after its thorough purification. They can burn the gas efficiently to produce the power and heat with low CO2 emissions. Biomethane is thus a valuable renewable energy source, the use of which minimizes the environmental impact of the production process of heat and power.

Sewage gas-fired CHP units play an important role in the treatment and energy recovery of the waste sludge in the waste water treatment plants. The sewerage gas is a by-product of the anaerobic digestion of an organic sludge in these plants. CHP units convert this gas efficiently into the power and heat. In this way, the waste sludge becomes a useful source of energy, which increases the energy efficiency of the waste water treatment plants and reduces their operating costs. In addition, this also minimizes the greenhouse gas emissions.

The CHP units that burn the mine gas are a key energy component in the mining sector. The mine gas, which is released during the extraction of coal or other raw materials, often contains a large proportion of methane. CHP units can efficiently burn this gas to generate the power and heat. This process minimizes the release of methane into the atmosphere, which prevents the greenhouse gas emissions and increases the overall efficiency of mining. The CHP units operating on the mine gas reduce the environmental impact and increase energy efficiency in the mining industry.

CHP units can also efficiently use different types of biogas, such as landfill gas, created by the decomposition of organic material in landfills. This gas contains methane and carbon dioxide. CHP units collect the landfill gas, treated to the required quality, and burn it to produce the power and heat. This prevents methane from escaping into the atmosphere, where it would otherwise act as a potent greenhouse gas. This converts landfill gas into a useful energy, increasing the efficiency of the power and heat production and reducing the greenhouse gas emissions. This practice promotes sustainability and a responsible approach to the waste management.

Biogas is a very suitable fuel for CHP units. It is obtained in biogas plants by decomposing the organic material such as plant residues and organic waste. CHP units are able to use this originally waste gas efficiently, ensuring maximum energy recovery of the potential energy and minimizing CO2 and pollutant emissions. Biogas is a key element for a sustainable energy as it both uses a renewable resource and reduces the amount of organic waste. This contributes to the environmental protection, economic sustainability and efficient energy production.

Natural gas is a very suitable fuel for CHP units. This fossil fuel contains mainly methane and its combustion in CHP units has many advantages. Importantly, it uses the maximum possible amount of energy contained in this fuel. All this with low emissions of carbon dioxide and pollutants. In doing so, the CHP unit is a very flexible equipment that can be operated according to the needs of the grid. In addition, the natural gas is abundantly available and this ensures stable supplies.