Ecological, economical and practical. With cogeneration, the simultaneous generation of energy and heat, you can use energy resources even more efficiently. This is an attractive investment for larger and smaller entities, for factories and public facilities. We describe how cogeneration plants work and how they help.

Two birds with one stone

Cogeneration, combined heat and power, CHP (Combined Heat and Power) is the simultaneous generation of electricity and usable heat. It is a way to make efficient use of fuels and reduce energy losses. To the opportunity for large savings compared to separate production of energy and heat.

What is cogeneration based on? Energy is generated by turbines (through the combustion of gas, biogas or other fuels), and the waste heat, thanks to appropriate installations, can be used for heating or industrial processes.

The most common cogeneration systems use steam turbines (powered by steam from burning coal or biomass), gas-steam systems (combined with a heat recovery system), gas turbines with a recovery boiler. An internal combustion engine (reciprocating or Stirling) can also be connected to a CHP system, although it is the "gas" tools that are more environmentally friendly and economical.

Benefits of cogeneration

Combined energy management means a series of benefits. It's worth noting that these apply not only to the company's finances, but also to environmental issues (also linked to the company's finances) - reducing greenhouse gas and particulate emissions.

Cogeneration is all about efficiency in the use of raw materials. According to the Energy Regulatory Office:

"The efficiency of a cogeneration source can exceed as much as 80 percent, while in the process of generating electricity in a condensing power plant it is very difficult to achieve 50 percent efficiency. This means that the energy efficiency of the combined system can be as much as 30 percent higher than in the process of separate generation of electricity in a condensing power plant and heat in a boiler plant."

Investment in a cogeneration plant can safeguard a company in times of relentless energy price increases. Although raw materials are becoming more expensive, their much more efficient use means that price increases are not as destructive as they could be with their traditional use. 20 years - this is the average lifespan of cogeneration solutions, and the investment costs are paid back after just a few. This means that the company will save money for the next dozen years. Cogeneration means independence. It makes it possible to produce energy on site when there is demand for it.

Combined energy management reduces CO2 emissions. When burning gas, carbon dioxide emissions are much lower than when burning coal. More efficient use of raw material naturally reduces the amount of raw materials used. By meeting environmental requirements, you can expect a lower tax burden on your business.

Who benefits from cogeneration?

All over the world, CHP plants are used by manufacturers of: cement, pulp, paper, glass, iron, steel, building materials and many other materials. Wherever electricity and heat are needed. CHP will therefore work well in virtually any manufacturing enterprise.

Combined energy management is not just the domain of factories. Greenhouses, office buildings, swimming pools and other public facilities also benefit from the solution. Heat recovery offers a great opportunity to hedge against rising energy and heating costs.

In Poland, too, there is growing interest in environmentally friendly, cost-effective cogeneration installations. Saving energy gives a competitive advantage and helps companies expand production in difficult times.

And you don't need much at all. Trust the specialists!

To fully enjoy the savings using cogeneration, the equipment alone is not enough. Any solution must function within a professional installation that drains both electricity and heat. But this can be taken care of by SMG Silesia!