Cogeneration systems generate electricity and thermal energy, and sometimes mechanical energy as well, in a single, integrated system. This contrasts with the common practice of generating electricity at a central power station and using on-site heating and cooling equipment to meet non-electric energy requirements. Cogeneration refers to the simultaneous production of heat and electricity at the point of use. The heat may be used directly for heating, producing process steam, cooling or a combination of some or all of these. Cogeneration is a proven technology that has been around for over 100 years. The first commercial power plant in the USA was a cogeneration plant designed and built by Edison in 1882 in New York.

Chapter Contents:

• 2.1 Electricity-generating systems
• 2.1.1 Gas and diesel engines
• 2.1.2 Gas turbines
• 2.1.3 Fuel cells
• 2.1.4 Micro-turbines
• 2.2 Heat recovery systems
• 2.3 Heat recovery boilers
• 2.4 Uses of heat output
• 2.5 Fuels
• 2.6 Fuel supply systems
• 2.7 Applications according to prime movers
• 2.7.1 Reciprocating engines
• 2.7.2 Steam turbines
• 2.7.3 Gas turbines
• 2.7.4 Fuel cells

Inspec keywords: steam power stations; cogeneration; cooling; heating

Other keywords: process steam; cooling equipment; nonelectric energy requirements; thermal energy; New York; electricity generation; Edison; USA; cogeneration plant; central power station; heating equipment

Subjects: Steam power stations and plants