Distributed Generation Benefits: Combined Heat and Power (CHP), Fuel Cells, Solar PV, etc.

The established system of electricity generation in the United States involves the use of large power plants transmitting power across distances (transmission) and then carrying it through local utility lines (distribution).   The energy efficiency of power used from such generation equipment is typically about 40%.  

The practice of installing and operating electric generating equipment at or near the site of where the power is used is known as "distributed generation" (DG). Distributed generation provides electricity to customers on-site or supports a distribution network, connecting to the grid at distribution level voltages. DG technologies include engines, small (and micro) turbines, fuel cells, and photovoltaic systems.   Utilization of waste heat from distributed generation equipment can result in energy efficiencies of as much as 85%.  

Distributed generation may provide some or all of customers’ electricity needs. Customers can use DG to reduce demand charges imposed by their electric utility or to provide premium power or reduce environmental emissions. DG can also be used by electric utilities to enhance their distribution systems. Many other applications for DG solutions exist.

Commercial and industrial facilities can generate enough power to meet their needs using existing technologies. This also gives them the ability to have back-up power during times of blackout.

Distributed generation systems can provide an organization with the following benefits:
• Peak Shaving;
• On-site backup power during a voluntary interruption;
• Primary power with backup power provided by another supplier;
• Combined load heat and power for your own use;
• Load following for improved power quality or lower prices;
• To satisfy your preference for renewable energy

In conjunction with combined heat and power (CHP) applications, DG can improve overall thermal efficiency.  . On a stand-alone basis, DG is often used as back-up power to enhance reliability or as a means of deferring investment in transmission and distribution networks, avoiding network charges, reducing line losses, deferring construction of large generation facilities, displacing expensive grid-supplied power, providing alternative sources of supply in markets, and providing environmental benefits.

In recent years, DG has become an efficient and clean alternative to traditional distribution systems. And recent technologies are making it economically feasible.

Substantial efforts are being made to develop environmentally sound and cost-competitive small-scale electric generation that can be installed at or near points of use in ways that enhance the reliability of local distribution systems or avoid more expensive system additions. Examples of these distributed resources include fuel cells, small gas turbines, and photovoltaic arrays.

This report on Distributed Generation Technologies takes an in-depth look at the industry and analyzes the various technologies that contribute to distributed generation in
today’s age. The report focuses on these technologies through case studies, examples, and equations and formulas. The report also contains analysis of the leading countries actively promoting distributed generation.

Source:

Distributed Generation Technologies: Applications and Challenges, 
Energy Business Reports,  111 pages

http://energybusinessreports.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=1349&affillink=EREW20080701

 

 

Cobined Heat and Power in Europe (CHP)

The use of a heat engine or a power station to simultaneously generate both electricity and useful heat is known as combined heat and power (CHP), or cogeneration. Generally, a conventional power plant emits the heat created as a by-product of electricity generation into the environment through cooling towers, as flue gas, or by other means. CHP or a bottoming cycle captures the by-product heat for domestic or industrial heating purposes, either very close to the plant, or for distribution through pipes to heat local housing.

In
Europe, the use of CHP presents a substantial potential for increased energy efficiency and reduced environmental impacts. It is considered to be a priority area for many Member States. The efficient use of fuel, in simultaneous production of heat and power, can offer energy savings and avoid CO2 emissions compared with separate production of heat and power. In addition, development in the use of fuels used in CHP applications show a trend toward cleaner fuels. Nearly 40% of the electricity produced from cogeneration is produced for public supply purposes, often in connection with district heating (DH) networks. Almost 60% of the electricity produced from cogeneration is generated by auto producers, normally for industrial processes. But until the external costs of energy are internalized in its price, cogeneration may require government support, for example, by providing investment support or giving tax exemptions.

The CHP Directive on the promotion of high-efficiency cogeneration is expected to start having an effect. It encourages Member States to promote CHP uptake and helps them to overcome the current barriers hindering progress. It does not set targets, but instead requires Member States to carry out analyses of their potential for high-efficiency cogeneration. A number of EU Member States have introduced laws or other support mechanisms to promote new CHP. Despite these measures, there remain substantial differences in the level of CHP across the EU. Countries with a high market penetration of CHP electricity include
Denmark and the Netherlands, while poor infrastructure for natural gas and less demand for heat has historically hindered CHP development in countries like Portugal and Ireland. The future CHP production capacity in Europe will largely be based on natural gas combined cycle gas turbines (CCGTs) and small gas turbines. In the longer term, market penetration of CHP in the many EU Member States is predicted to accelerate out to 2030.
source:

Combined Heat and Power Developments in Europe
Energy Business Reports, 79 pages

 Combined Heat and Power Developments in  the U.S.

UTC Power highly efficient CHP Projects

http://www.utcfuelcells.com/fs/com/bin/fs_com_Page/0,11491,043,00.html

 

Wal-Mart Embraces Clean,
Reliable Energy with the
Latest Energy-Efficient
Technology from UTC Power


New energy solution for Wal-Mart    

 

Wal-Mart’s experimental store employs multiple sustainable green technologies in Aurora, Colorado, providing a platform for change in the retail industry. To minimize their environmental impact, even in the event of a power outage, Wal-Mart selected the highly efficient, ultra low emission PureComfort® Model 360M combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) solution from UTC Power.

The PureComfort® solution is a combination of six, 60 kilowatt microturbines and a double-effect absorption chiller from Carrier Corporation, UTC Power’s sister company. It is the industry’s only integrated microturbine and double-effect absorption chiller solution.

Total Estimated Output

Cooling

185 RT

Thermal

1.3 MMBTUs

Electrical

292 kW*

* Net power adjusted for altitude and fuel gas booster power requirements.

Total System Efficiency

~80% at ISO Conditions

::  Power Security

The PureComfort® solution is designed to operate in parallel to and independently from the grid to provide back-up power for the refrigeration system in the event of a power outage. With back-up power available in minutes to their refrigeration racks, Wal-Mart secures the freshness of their products through the use of environmentally advanced technologies.

::  Energy Efficiency

The exhaust heat from the natural gas-powered microtrubines is collected in a manifold and used to drive the double-effect absorption chiller, enabling the PureComfort® solution to achieve an overall fuel utilization rate of approximately 80 percent, far greater than the 33 percent typical of a central powerplant. With an efficiency more than twice that of traditional power sources, the PureComfort® solution ensures this Wal-Mart store is conserving energy. 

The PureComfort® solution installed at Wal-Mart provides up to 185 RT of space cooling, 1.3 MMBTU of space/floor heating, and up to 292 kW of power year round. This solution provides cooling and heating simultaneously and maximizes its efficiency by using partial cooling and heating.

 

Fuel Cell Projects in the U.S.

Large Fuel Cell Projects Data Base

Fuel Cell Energy,    Recent Projects

 DOE SECA Industrial and  Coal-Based Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Systems