Combined Heat and Power is the simultaneous generation of usable heat and power in a single process

Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is the simultaneous generation of usable heat and power (usually electricity) in a single process.

Combined Heat and Power (CHP)

The heat generated during this process is supplied to an appropriately matched heat demand that would otherwise be met by a conventional boiler.

CHP systems are highly efficient, making use of the heat which would otherwise be wasted when generating electrical or mechanical power.

This allows heat requirements to be met that would otherwise require additional fuel to be burnt.

Advantages include

• CHP typically has an efficiency of over 80%
• Operators can save up to 30% on energy bills
• Operators can save up to 20% on carbon emissions
• Transmission and distribution losses reduced
• Increases fuel supply security

CHP can be used wherever there is demand for electricity and an appropriate demand for heat in the near vicinity.

Organisations that who benefit from CHP include local authorities, leisure centres, universities, retail, hotels, distict heating schemes where CHP is used to provide electricity, space and water heating.

The industrial sector typically use CHP to provide electricity, space heating and process heat, often excess electricity is generated, this energy may be exported to the national grid.

The agricultural and horticultural sectors use CHP to provide electricity, atmospheric carbon dioxide enrichment, green house, water and space heating.

The healthcare sector typically use it to provide electricity, sterilisation, space and water heating.