Combined heat and power (CHP), also known as cogeneration, is an efficient process that generates electricity and useful thermal energy from a single fuel source. A CHP system captures the heat produced during power generation and puts it to beneficial use for applications like heating, cooling, and industrial processes. This dual-purpose approach is significantly more energy efficient than separate production of electricity and heat.

How CHP Systems Work

Combined Heat And Power (CHP) consists of a fuel source like natural gas, biomass, or coal that is fed into a prime mover such as a gas turbine, steam turbine, microturbine, or reciprocating engine. This prime mover drives an electrical generator to produce electricity but also emits heat as a byproduct.

The heat is recovered from exhaust gases or cooling water and utilized via a heat recovery system. Common thermal applications include space heating, water heating, drying processes, absorption cooling, and process heating.

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