Energy dictionary

Aggregation block is a set of interacting energy resources used to provide power balance services in the electric power network. This block has a minimum total capacity of 1 MW. However, even with smaller resource sizes, it is possible to aggregate these resources into a block that acts externally as one large source. In this way, greater efficiency and reliability of the power system is achieved. TEDOM is a certified provider of these services for the Czech Transmission System Operator (CEPS) and offers other resource owners the opportunity to join this block.

The flexibility aggregator is a key actor in the modern energy ecosystem. It is tasked with collecting and efficiently coordinating the flexibility from small power producers who would otherwise not be able to enter the energy market. Indeed, the energy market has minimum size requirements for a given resource, which entails precisely the need for aggregation. The aggregator therefore takes care of the technical integration of resources, contractual issues and also the remote management of individual resources. An important component is therefore the software itself which monitors and optimizes the available flexibility in real time in the energy market. This enables efficient activation of resources at the most appropriate moments.

Electric power purchase is a service that allows owners of energy sources such as photovoltaic power plants, CHP units, batteries and others to sell the excess electric power they generate to the power grid. This electric power can be sold at current wholesale prices. Electric power purchase therefore provides an opportunity for resource owners to receive financial remuneration for their energy production while also contributing to the full utilization of individual resources. The electric power purchase service also helps to optimize the energy network by using surplus electric power when it is most profitable.

It is possible to operate CHP units and other energy sources without an upfront investment. Based on the specific needs of the operation, we as a supplier can design a project for a reliable supply of power and heat under the conditions agreed in advance. The selected technologies are then installed at the end customer’s premises, including all the necessary accessories, without any investment by the customer. We then ensure smooth and free operation of the boiler plant, including the necessary servicing. You become our energy customer without the unnecessary administrative burden, which allows you to save on heating and electric power costs.

Regulatory energy is energy purchased by CEPS from registered market participants for the purpose of maintaining power balance in the electrification system. Imbalances can arise due to variations in the total supply and consumption on the grid. Regulatory energy can be positive (it is activated when there is a shortage of electric power and there is a need to, for example, increase the output of a power plant) or negative (it is activated, on the contrary, when there is a surplus of electric power in the grid and there is a need to reduce the output of a power plant or increase the load).

Electric power is not easily stored, so there is an imbalance between its production and consumption. The grid operator therefore has a shortage or surplus of electric power at any hour. A suitable electric power source or appliance can help to balance such imbalances in the grid. The owner of this equipment can offer the operator part of its generation capacity to support the system with generation or, conversely, with increased consumption during the exposed hours. The owner of the resource is then remunerated for this readiness and for the supply itself. Suitable sources are, for example, a CHP unit, a solar panel, an electric boiler, a battery system or lights.

The smart grid is a modern energy system that uses digital technology to efficiently manage and optimize the supply of electric power. The cogeneration technology plays a key role in such a smart grid. Units can be controlled remotely based on the current power and heat demand, allowing for the flexible operation of these units. The smart grid also allows for bi-directional electric power flow, so that the CHP units can generate electric power for local consumers or supply the grid in case of overproduction. These features allow an increase in overall energy efficiency and reliability, plus a reduction in the cost of generating the power and heat.

Swimming pools, spas and aqua parks are ideal places to deploy CHP units. These facilities require simultaneous electric power for operation, lighting and other equipment, as well as heat for pool heating and hot water for showers and whirlpools. CHP units allow this dual energy requirement to be used efficiently, reducing costs and increasing energy efficiency. The ability of cogeneration to adapt to the changing needs of pools and spas makes operation reliable and cost-effective. CHP units also reduce the environmental impact of these facilities by minimizing emissions and promoting sustainability.

Hotels and office buildings are good places to deploy cogeneration. These facilities require simultaneous electric power and heat for hot water, heating, cooling and operation. CHP units bring economic and environmental benefits because they generate this energy at the same time and locally, increasing the energy efficiency and reducing the overall energy costs. In addition, they can respond to peak loads on the grid improving by doing so the reliability of the electric power supply. Cogeneration also reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which is important for sustainability and the environmental footprint of operations, especially in urban developments.