SIG Sustainable Solutions, building sustainable futures
- Solar PV Electricity Systems
- Solar Hot Water Systems
- Air Source Heat Pumps
- Ground Source Heat Pumps
- Wind Power Systems
- Biomass Systems
- Combined Heat and Power Systems
- Insulation
- Green Roofs & Living Walls
- Phase Change Material
- LED Lighting
- Roofs
- Floors
- Natural Lighting
- Doors
- Water Conservation and Drainage
- Windows
- Ceilings & Partitions
- Structural Systems
- Foundation Systems
- Site Construction Products
- Building Management Systems
- Traditional Material Alternatives
Combined Heat and Power Systems
What is Combined Heat and Power?
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Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is the simultaneous generation of usable heat and electrical power in a single process. CHP systems work by turning wasted heat from the exhaust stream into electricity. This can be achieved in a variety of ways including the use of a stirling engine, an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell. It is a highly efficient way to use both fossil and renewable fuels and therefore CHP can make a significant contribution to the UK’s sustainable energy targets.CHP has been utilised for many years as an industrial, large scale energy producing process. Recent technology has facilitated its scaling down to a level where it has become feasible to use at the micro generation level.
How Does CHP Work?
CHP systems can be employed over a wide range of sizes, applications, fuels and technologies. In their simplest form, they employ a gas turbine to produce heat and an engine or a steam turbine to drive an alternator. The resulting electricity can be used either wholly or partially on-site. It is particularly efficient when employed as a source for district heating to provide hot water, space heating and electricity for a number of linked buildings.
CHP is a form of a decentralised energy technology; systems are typically installed onsite, supplying users with heat and power directly at the point of use, therefore helping avoid the significant losses, which occur in transmitting electricity from large centralised plant to customer.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Electricity is generated close to where it is to be used as a by-product of heat generation
- Suitable for commercial and residential installations
- Can be installed in new build and existing buildings
- CHP’s high efficiency leads to a reduction in the use of primary energy
- Consumes up to 40% less fuel than conventional heating systems
- Provides a 30 – 40% reduction in CO2
- Less fuel burned means reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and other toxic by-products of combustion
- Electricity generated through CHP will be eligible for the Feed in Tariff (FIT) in 2010
Application of technology covering both residential and commercial
For the residential market, a Micro-CHP unit resembling a gas-fired boiler will provide both heat for space and water heating, as does a boiler, but also electricity to power domestic lights and appliances. Micro-CHP units are new and have only recently become available in the UK market.
For commercial buildings and small industrial spaces, a factory-assembled CHP system is appropriate. Here, an electricity generator, heat exchanger, controls and either an engine or a turbine is packaged together into a CHP unit that can be connected to the heating and electricity systems of the building. Some commercial building types particularly those needing a lot of energy, for instance leisure centres, hotels, hospitals, schools etc, which operate around the clock, are particularly suitable for this technology.
CHP systems can, with the addition of a chiller, supply cooling for air conditioning systems as well as heating; such an arrangement is often called a ‘trigeneration’ system.
Feed in Tariff
CHP as a technology is part of the green technologies encouraged and supported by the governments Feed in Tariff (FIT) which comes into force in 2010. This is a major piece of UK legislation which for the first time provides the opportunity for the commercial and residential markets to invest in renewable technology and achieve a reasonable guaranteed, government backed return on investment.
Our service
At SIG Sustainable Solutions we are able to offer the most up to date developments regarding CHP technology.
We are able to advise on the right solution to suit your particular project, whether that is a commercial business park or a single residential property. Our experienced team will take you step by step through the process, from establishing your initial needs right through to developing the specification and installing the most appropriate solution.
If you would like more information on this range of products please call us on 0845 873 8612 between the hours of 8.30am - 5.30pm Monday to Thursday, and 8.30am - 5.00pm on Friday.
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An SIG Plc Group Company
An SIG Plc Group Company