Combined Heat & Power
Can nearly double operational efficiency
Combined heat and power (CHP) systems, also known as cogeneration systems, generate electricity and useful thermal energy in a single, integrated system.
Heat that is usually wasted in conventional power generation is recovered as useful energy, eliminating losses that occur when heat and power are generated separately. Cogeneration systems can operate at levels as high as 80 percent, compared to 45 percent with conventional methods.
Most CHP projects have a natural gas engine or turbine radiating heat that is captured and used in a heating application. The heat is then used to drive an absorption cooling machine that produces cooling. The natural gas engine or turbine is coupled with an electric generator to produce electric power.
Advantages of CHP
Increased efficiency, reduced energy costs
CHP can save facilities considerable money on their energy bills due to its high efficiency, and it can provide a hedge against electricity cost increases.
Cleaner power, improved fuel utilization
CHP systems offer considerable environmental benefits when compared with purchased electricity and thermal energy produced on site. By capturing and utilizing heat that would otherwise be wasted from the production of electricity, CHP systems require less fuel to produce the same amount of energy.
Improved power reliability
Unreliable electricity service represents a quantifiable business, safety, and health risk for some companies and organizations. CHP is an on-site generation resource and can be designed to support continued operations in the event of a disaster or grid disruption by continuing to provide reliable electricity.
Energy security
CHP systems can be designed to continue operating in the event of grid outages to supply continuous power for critical functions. And, with natural gas being an abundant local resource, a long, sustainable future supply is ensured.
Ideal Candidates for CHP Systems
CHP systems are ideal for energy-intensive commercial and industrial businesses with high thermal loads, including:
Read How Other Businesses are Benefiting:
UGI & CHP Case Study with Hershey Medical Center
Demonstrating their commitment to both top notch patient care and sustainability, the medical center invested in a cogeneration facility to minimize their energy footprint. Read about Hershey Medical Center's CHP system.
UGI & CHP Case Study with Pepsico's Gatorade Plant
The processing plant completed construction of combined heat and power (CHP) system to reduce cost and to help achieve their goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 20% by the year 2030. Read about Pepsico's CHP system.