At Boulden Energy Systems, we specialize in the design of custom heat transfer, cooling, and exhaust emission control solutions for the power generation industry. One of our core offerings is cogeneration hot water and steam systems.
What Is Cogeneration?
Cogeneration—also referred to as combined heat and power (CHP)—is a process that generates heat and power at the same time. While traditional power generation systems experience a significant loss of input energy (i.e., wasted fuel) due to surplus heat, cogeneration systems capture the surplus heat so it can be used. As a result, they operate at higher efficiencies.
Typical applications for cogeneration systems include serving as an off-the-grid, standalone, and secure power source for mission-critical facilities. Facilities that utilize them can improve overall energy efficiency by up to 90% due to enhanced heat recovery, reduced fuel demands, and increased efficiency of conventional power generation systems.
Components of Cogeneration Systems
Cogeneration systems are made up of many components, including:
- The prime mover: used to run the generator
- The fuel system: provides fuel to power the engine
- The generator: generates the electricity
- The heat recovery system: captures usable heat produced by the engine
- The cooling system: dissipates heat that cannot be used
- The combustion and ventilation air systems: supplies clean air and removes emissions
- The control system: ensures operations proceed as intended
- The enclosure: protects the engine and operators, reduces noise
Benefits of Cogeneration
Cogeneration can be highly beneficial for facilities. Some of the main benefits of cogeneration systems are:
- Increased efficiency
- Enhanced output
- Reduced operational costs
- Decreased water use
- Lowered emission rates
Key Considerations for Cogeneration
Cogeneration systems can be integrated into many industrial facilities. Some of the situations in which you may want to consider them include:
- When you’re building a new building
- When you’re fitting a new boiler plant
- When you’re replacing or refurbishing an existing plant
- When you’re reviewing an electrical supply system
If you’ve decided that a cogeneration system is right for your facility, some of the factors you should keep in mind when designing/selecting one are:
- Electrical and thermal load
- Heat-to-power ratio
- Thermal energy quality
- Load outlines
- Fuel source
Why Choose Boulden Energy for Cogeneration Hot Water & Steam Systems?
Cogeneration systems can offer many benefits to facilities, including improved fuel consumption and reduced carbon emissions. If you’re ready to get started on your cogeneration solution, Boulden Energy Systems is here to help.
Equipped with extensive experience with district heating, net metering, and all aspects of cogeneration systems, our team can design, integrate, and supply all of the main equipment needed to achieve optimized process heat recovery and load balancing. We can accommodate hot water or steam systems with reciprocating natural or biogas engines. Our experience ranges from micro designs to large-scale mission-critical facilities. To learn more about our cogeneration solutions or discuss your system needs with one of our team members, request a quote.