Prior to any decision to proceed with a cogeneration plant, the potential changes in the site energy requirements must be thoroughly investigated. Energy-saving measures, demand-side management procedures and any changes in processes can not only be cost-effective, but may also affect the type, size and economics of the cogeneration system. The selection of the optimum cogeneration system should be based on criteria that are specified by the investor and the user of the system, considering economic performance, energy efficiency, uninterrupted operation or other performance measures.

Chapter Contents:

• 6.1 Preliminary assessment
• 6.1.1 Technical Issues
• 6.1.2 Site conditions
• 6.1.3 Economics
• 6.2 Feasibility study and system selection
• 6.3 Identifying an appropriate output for a cogeneration plant
• 6.4 Detailed design
• 6.5 Technical assessments
• 6.5.1 Site energy demands
• 6.5.2 Timing of demands
• 6.6 Factors affecting selection of the suitable cogeneration plant
• 6.6.1 Heat-to-power ratio
• 6.6.2 Quality of thermal energy required
• 6.6.3 Fuel supply
• 6.6.4 Noise levels
• 6.6.5 Regulatory and local planning Issues
• 6.6.6 Other Issues
• 6.7 Practical aspects of installing a cogeneration plant
• 6.8 Financial assessment of a cogeneration project
• 6.9 Assessment of financial feasibility
• 6.10 Sensitivity analysis

Inspec keywords: cogeneration; energy conservation; demand side management

Other keywords: energy requirements; energy-saving measures; optimum cogeneration system; cogeneration plant; demand-side management; economics system

Subjects: Thermal power stations and plants