Co-Generation Power Systems

Co-generation is the use of on-site electric generation with heat recovery from the generator prime mover (engine or turbine) to be reused for process heat. Any facility that requires year-round heat for any purpose, water heating, de-humidifying, process application, etc., is a candidate for co-generation. The application does not have to be a large part of the overall process. Any on-site generation offsets a part of the overall electrical use and is matched to the heat output needed for the process. In this way, the energy consumed for the heat portion is the same and the electrical energy is then “free”. An analysis can be preformed to see if a facility qualifies for this application.

Peak-Shaving Power Systems

Most electrical utilities charge a higher demand rate in the summer when overall electrical consumption is high. Peak shaving is the utilization of on-site generation designed to offset part of a building’s peak demand. For most facilities, this is usually for a 4 to 6 hour period in a day. By using the lower cost of natural gas in the summer, a peak-shaving generator can offset a significant amount of the demand costs. Since the generator only runs a short time, the operational costs are minimized as compared to other generation types.

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