Page 18 - Sustainable On-Site CHP Systems Design, Construction, and Operations

Foreword

e are at an interesting juncture in our power and energy generation history.
Not only are we to reduce our dependence on foreign sources of fuel and
Wenergy sources, but we must also develop inexpensive and indigenous sources
of power and energy that are safe, reliable, and environmentally benign. One of the more
dependable methods of “stretching” the fuel use of a power or energy source is by
utilizing every useful unit of power and thermal energy that can be extracted from a
single fuel source and expending any “waste energy” as close to the ambient temperature
as possible. This raises not only the efficiency (from a first law of thermodynamics
standpoint), but also the effectiveness (from a second law of thermodynamics standpoint)
as high as practically feasible. This is where a combined heat and power (CHP) system
or a cogeneration system comes into the power and energy realm.
CHP systems are not only more energy efficient but also provide emergency backup
to not only the power grid but also to the “thermal network” of a industrial plant,
central plant, building, or a building complex. The thermodynamic efficiency of CHP
systems has been measured at 65 to 80 percent, depending on the prime mover (engine
or turbine), the quality of the exhaust stream (temperature and pressure and hence the
enthalpy) and the effectiveness of the heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) that
produces the useful thermal stream for use in the thermal network of a building. This
means that a typical CHP system is quite complex in its operation and maintenance
scheme. This demands expert training of the operator(s) in not only keeping the system
operational at regular times but also in anticipating problems and being able to
troubleshoot and prevent any system breakdowns before they occur.
The book has been organized in six major sections (parts) focused on the planning,
design, construction, and operation of CHP. Part 1 outlines the basics of CHP systems
and regulations; Part 2 discusses how to complete a feasibility study and a life-cycle-
cost analysis; Part 3 focuses on design and how to develop a CHP plant from scratch
and deal with risk management issues, which are critical to its economic success; Part 4
provides guidelines for the construction process including operations; and Part 5
discusses plant operations and continued maintenance. The book also includes (Part 6)
a wide variety of selected CHP case studies from leaders, contributors, and experts in
the field. CHP also provides opportunities for businesses to become carbon neutral by
using biofuels to power their CHP systems.
This book has included discussion issues believed to be relevant for mechanical and
electrical engineers, building owners, developers, building and plant operators,
architects, and contractors involved with the design and management of building and

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