How to optimise CHP efficiency

Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is becoming a popular option for businesses looking to reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint.

With benefits for the user and the environment, TED investigates how you can maximise the benefits of your CHP system.

What is CHP?

A CHP system, also known as cogeneration, generates electricity and heat using one fuel source. This can be, natural gas, biomass, biogas, coal, waste heat, or oil.

CHP is a renewable energy source, as it re-uses the heat it generates through heating systems, instead of rejecting the ‘waste’ heat in to the atmosphere.

By using a CHP system, businesses and organisations can achieve up to 40% savings and improve their environmental performance and long-term energy security.

So, how can you optimise your CHP efficiency, for both the environment and your business?

Get the sizing right

Each building has unique requirements when it comes to their energy consumption, which is why it is essential to get the sizing right, so the total costs of energy supply is minimised.

Before implementing CHP, gather accurate electricity and heating consumption data to calculate your load profile. This will help you decide whether CHP is best for your business and aid you in the correct sizing.

Integrate properly

When introducing a new CHP system to your site, the location can be a pivotal factor to keep in mind, as the location can have minor improvements to the efficiency.

Ensure the positioning doesn’t affect another product’s efficiency. When integrating CHP with other components, it is key that they can operate without influence from the CHP system.

The location must also allow for safe and easy access. You will need to be able to service your CHP unit and conduct regular maintenance, therefore if there is a problem, it can be easily resolved.

You can also save on costs for cabling and pipework, by placing the unit close to the site’s service connections. Installation costs are then kept to a minimum.

Maintenance and service

Like any other system, CHP needs to be serviced and maintained regularly.

A CHP system can have a lifetime operational life of between 10 and 15 years when a maintenance routine is in place. This will also help guarantee optimum performance throughout its life span.

Checks on the, temperatures, fuel consumption and electricity output, can identify any problems and be rectified immediately to avoid long periods of downtime, inconvenience and unnecessary costs.

A service carried out by an expert is also advised to check the system further. For example, inspecting the battery condition and engine oil.

Find the right CHP system with TED

At The Energy Desk we can tender your energy requirements to different suppliers across the UK to find the best CHP system for your business.

We also provide valuable technical support, in order to help you optimise your CHP efficiency.

Call us on 03330 151 221 , or request for us to contact you at a more convenient time by completing our online contact form.

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How to optimise CHP efficiency
2019-04-10T11:03:02+00:00
Jon Taylor