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Why is Cogeneration More Efficient?

Why is cogeneration more efficient?

The term ‘cogeneration’ is one that is being used more and more frequently when it comes to environmentally smart energy production, due to its long list of beneficial factors. From high efficiency to being more eco-aware, the positives are impressive.

But, what really makes cogeneration more efficient? We did some research into why cogeneration is considered ‘efficient’ compared to other energy generation methods, so you don’t have to. If you have any questions regarding cogeneration, give Inoplex a call on  0448 307 282 and we can help.

What is cogeneration?

Cogeneration, which is also called CHP or ‘Combined Heat & Power’, is an electricity production process that is based on capturing losses typically suffered by traditional electricity generation processes.

How does cogeneration work?

In basic terms, cogeneration uses an ecologically-friendly power generation method to create electricity and heat that can be used in different ways.

If we want to go into things a little more deeply, cogeneration works as follows:

  • A fuel is used for the engine, which is generally gas, diesel or some kind of biogas.
  • The fuel is burnt in the engine, which produces power.
  • The exhaust gas heater exchange collects the heat that is being generated by the engine.
  • Then cogeneration starts! The heat from the exhaust gas heater and the engine is captured, which results in the creation of high efficiency heat.
  • The water that has been heated is processed by the heat exchanger, which releases the required heat product to the secondary circuit.
  • The secondary circuit is what is used to heat your household items, such as taps or used for other heat needs. 
  • Finally, the power that is created is produced by the alternator, which turns engine power into electrical power. 

This process results in both heat and electricity that can be utilised in so many different ways, all while offering an eco-friendly method of production.

What makes cogeneration more efficient?

Cogeneration is more efficient due to the levels of fuel that are used. In cogeneration, only around 8% of fuel is lost and the fuel used is around 92%. In comparison, traditional methods utilise around 40% of fuel and suffer around 60% losses. The more losses a method suffers, the less efficient it is!

Cogeneration is a more efficient use of fuel because otherwise-wasted heat from electricity generation is put to some productive use.

Benefits of cogeneration

Cogeneration has a huge range of benefits, not just efficiency, including:

  • Efficiency levels are higher than many other methods
  • Energy wastage levels are less than other processes
  • Running costs are lower
  • Electricity produced is stable and consistent
  • Costs for heating are lower
  • Carbon footprint is reduced
  • Considerably more eco-friendly
  • Heat energy isn’t wasted as much
  • The creation of two forms of energy (electricity and heat)
  • Thermal energy generation
  • Can be a backup power supply

The environmental benefits of cogeneration on their own are huge!

Your knowledgeable cogeneration experts

If you would like to know more about cogeneration and how it can be introduced into your business, give Inoplex a call on 0448 307 282 and we would be more than happy to assist further.