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Combined Heat and Power

 

A combined heat and power (CHP) system uses a single fuel source to provide electricity and recoverable thermal energy to be used for heating and cooling applications. This results in an increased overall thermal efficiency when compared to single cycle power generation that is typical at conventional power plants. Single cycle systems can achieve efficiency values as high as 40% while CHP systems can achieve efficiency values as high or even greater than 90%. By installing a CHP system designed to satisfy thermal and electrical base loads, end users can greatly reduce their energy costs. In addition, when compared to conventional power plants, CHP systems can greatly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) and criteria pollutants emissions.

CHP systems used as distributed heating and cooling systems can be quite cost effective in areas of close proximity to many end users. However, an economic benefit to the end users could very well result in adverse health issues due to localized emissions. For such systems to appeal to New Jersey communities and remain cost effective, the use of alternative fuels from wastewater treatment and food waste could very well be viable options to reduce GHG and criteria pollutants emissions without the use of expensive exhaust emissions control devices.
BCCCE is currently involved in applications research activities associated with the anaerobic digestion of wastewater and food waste into fuels for use in CHP systems to satisfy localized energy needs and reduce solid waste that require landfilling.

To learn more about NJDEP’s CHP initiative, visit:
BCCCE Bioenergy Program

For information on NJ’s CHP initiative, visit:
NJBPU's Combined Heat & Power Program

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Last Updated: February 13, 2020