Combined Heat and Power Production

Small-scale combined heat and power (CHP) plants typically have a capacity of 1-2 MW electricity and 3-5 MW heat. The upper limit for CHP operations classed as small-scale is considered to be a total energy producing capacity of 10 MW.

The advantage of CHP is high overall efficiency in terms of the total exploitation of energy. Electrical energy typically makes up around 30 % of the total energy output of such facilities, depending on the technologies applied.

Small-scale CHP schemes apply four main technologies:

• Combustion engines and gas turbines
• Steam turbine facilities and other steam driven power facilities
• Technologies using other intermediary materials
• Fuel cells

These various technologies in combination with the various fuel mixes available mean that many different more or less technically advanced solutions are possible for CHP operations. Some systems are already well established, while others are only now becoming commercially viable after a long development process. Some technologies still require considerable investments in research and development, as well as new material solutions.