Distributed
Generation Benefits: Combined Heat and Power (CHP), Fuel Cells, Solar PV, etc.
The established system of electricity generation in the
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
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
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
source:
Combined Heat and Power Developments in
Energy Business Reports, 79 pages
Combined Heat and
Power Developments in
the
UTC Power highly efficient
http://www.utcfuelcells.com/fs/com/bin/fs_com_Page/0,11491,043,00.html
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Fuel Cell
Projects in the
Large
Fuel Cell Projects Data Base
Fuel
Cell Energy, Recent Projects
DOE SECA
Industrial and Coal-Based
Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Systems