In the production of electricity there is also the heat simultaneously produced in the cogeneration unit.
Thanks to combined heat and electricity production, the cogeneration units fully utilize energy from the fuel with minimal losses and, in addition, with a very low emission level.
Produced electric power and thermal energy are efficiently used in cogeneration. They generate energy and economical savings over normal sources.
Total efficiency about 90% |
efficiency to | |
Production efficiency of electrical energy about 40% |
+ | 95% |
Production efficiency of thermal energy about 50% |
by connecting other technologies |
Cogeneration units produce electricity and heat directly at the point of consumption.
Energy losses due to transmission and distribution are eliminated.
The cogeneration unit usually consists of a natural gas piston engine and a synchronous generator for generating electricity. Other parts of the cogeneration unit are thermal modules and an electrical switchboard. The system of the cogeneration unit can be supplemented by an absorption refrigeration unit and then the cogeneration becomes trigeneration - the combined production of electricity, heat and cold. Cogeneration units are high-tech technologies controlled by sophisticated control systems which ensure the efficient operation of the entire cogeneration unit's energy system. The entire module of the cogeneration unit is then seated on the support frame and supplied without/with hood or in container versions.
The process of converting energy from the fuel takes place within the cogeneration unit, first, by using high-potential heat energy (the working substance has a high temperature - combustion) to perform the work (the combustion engine of the cogeneration unit rotates the generator for the production of electric energy) and only then by using the working substance lower temperature (cooling water of the engine and hot flue gas from the cogeneration unit) for an efficient use of thermal energy. The engine coolant temperature is passed to the heat sink circuit in the cogeneration unit. Another increase of the cogeneration unit efficiency can be achieved by using exhaust fumes from the engine. So, the cogeneration unit produces cheap electricity and at the same time delivers heat in parameters for hot water heating.