Cogeneration
Cogeneration is the combined production of electric or mechanical and thermal energy from the same original source.
The concept of cogeneration is quite old and was developed because of the low efficiency of conventional power systems CHP systems have as their main feature the recovery of most of the generated heat energy, which if not mediate another process is simply lost to the environment, achieving in this way savings and improved energy efficiency compared to conventional methods of electricity generation
There are four main areas of application for cogeneration:
a. The country’s electricity system (PPC.). Electricity plants can be converted in cogeneration plants and to meet thermal needs of adjacent cities, settlements, industries, e.t.c.
b. Industrial sector. Show significant potential food and beverage industries, the textile, the paper industries, chemical industries, refineries, cement factories, the main metallurgical industries.
c. Commercial – building sector. It is divided into three main sub-sectors: hotels – hospitals, large apartment complexes and office buildings. Each of them characterized by a particular form of the load curve. Other buildings (universities, shopping centers, etc.) have load curves, generated by a combination of these three subsectors.
d. Agricultural sector. Residuesagricultural activitiesare usedas fuelandthe recoveredheat canbe directedto a number ofagriculturalprocesses such asdrying agricultural products, heating farm buildings, greenhouses, etc.