step by step chp: the pitfalls to avoid between planning and design

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Step by step CHP:The pitfalls to avoid between planning and design

Cogeneration can save money, conserve energy, and reduce emissions - but

specifying the right unit for the site in question has its pitfalls.

Find out how to avoid these common mistakes when taking your CHP project from planning

through to design.

Risks to the viability of a CHP project

Poor site energy efficiency

Mis-sizing plant Site-specific issues

Risks to the viability of a CHP project

Poor site energy efficiency

Mis-sizing plant

The wrong choice of fuel

Site-specific issues

The finance model

Risks to the viability of a CHP project

Poor site energy efficiency

The wrong choice of fuel

None of these problems, however, are insurmountable.

Site-specific issues

Risks to the viability of a CHP project

Mis-sizing plant

The finance model

Greater and longer term benefits are available if energy saving measures are implemented and poor performing plant are improved before sizing a CHP system.

Poor site energy efficiency

Building insulation

Lighting

Power factor

Existing boiler efficiency

Greater and longer term benefits are available if energy saving measures are implemented and poor performing plant are improved before sizing a CHP system.

So check:

Poor site energy efficiency

Building insulation

Lighting

Power factor

Existing boiler efficiency

So check:

Every 1°C of site overheating adds 8% to heating costs

Poor site energy efficiencyGreater and longer term benefits are available if energy saving measures are implemented and

poor performing plant are improved before sizing a CHP system.

Detail is vital when sizing CHP.

Mis-sizing plant

Detail is vital when sizing CHP.

Mis-sizing plant

Calculate hourly consumption of power and gas during the working day, the week and season to season.

Detail is vital when sizing CHP.

Mis-sizing plant

Calculate hourly consumption of power and gas during the working day, the week and season to season.

Economical viability typically requires a heat demand all year of at least 17

hours a day, 5 days a week.

Detail is vital when sizing CHP.

Mis-sizing plant

Calculate hourly consumption of power and gas during the working day, the week and

season to season.

Economical viability typically requires a heat demand all year of at least 17 hours a day, 5 days a week.

The ratio of heat to power should govern the choice of CHP technology and

size. Mismatch could dramatically reduce potential CHP gains.

Future-proofing

Future-proofing

What are the prospects of fuel and electricity cost changes?

Are energy efficiency measures in place?

Future-proofing

What are the prospects of fuel and electricity cost changes?

Does the business have plans to expand?

Are energy efficiency measures in place?

Will the site’s heat and power demands change?

Site-specific issuesOverlooking the detail in the crucial connections of the CHP system can lead to costs over

running during installation.

Site-specific issuesOverlooking the detail in the crucial connections of the CHP system can lead to costs over

running during installation.

The gas network connection

The power network connection

A connection to local heat network where available

A heat rejection outlet where needed

Check the exact siting of:

Site-specific issuesOverlooking the detail in the crucial connections of the CHP system can lead to costs over

running during installation.

Check the exact siting of:Are there planning requirements or noise abatement issues to be

considered?The gas network connection

The power network connection

A connection to local heat network where available

A heat rejection outlet where needed

Site-specific issuesOverlooking the detail in the crucial connections of the CHP system can lead to costs over

running during installation.

Check the exact siting of:Are there planning requirements or noise abatement issues to be

considered?

Can the gas pipework accommodate the increased

volume of gas?

The gas network connection

The power network connection

A connection to local heat network where available

A heat rejection outlet where needed

Site-specific issuesOverlooking the detail in the crucial connections of the CHP system can lead to costs over

running during installation.

Check the exact siting of:Are there planning requirements or noise abatement issues to be

considered?

Can the gas pipework accommodate the increased

volume of gas?

Will the power network support your connection?

The gas network connection

The power network connection

A connection to local heat network where available

A heat rejection outlet where needed

Fuel Selection and Procurement

Fuel Selection and Procurement

Check the duration and volumes in your gas and

electricity supply contract - there could be exit fees.

Fuel Selection and Procurement

Do you have biogas available? Some biogases can contain

corrosive components, so the choice of CHP plant is crucial as is the choice of lubricant.

Check the duration and volumes in your gas and

electricity supply contract - there could be exit fees.

Finance model

Finance model

Invest your own money to get all the cost benefits but take on all

the risk.

Finance model

Invest your own money to get all the cost benefits but take on all

the risk.

Utilise third party financing to share the benefits and minimise

the risks.

Check out the incentives

Check out the incentives

CHP can attract tax and other benefits that can boost the economy...

Check out the incentives

CHP can attract tax and other benefits that can boost the economy...

...especially when specified to meet the requirements of ‘good quality’ CHP under the CHPQA scheme.

ChecklistTo avoid the pitfalls in cogeneration, detailed design is the only design. Remember to:

Audit energy efficiency measures.

Correctly size the plant based on heat

and power demands.

Manage your fuel selection and cost.

ChecklistTo avoid the pitfalls in cogeneration, detailed design is the only design. Remember to:

Audit energy efficiency measures.

Correctly size the plant based on heat

and power demands.

Mitigate any site specific issues that might affect

installation.

Manage your fuel selection and cost.

Select a finance model that suits the

project.

ChecklistTo avoid the pitfalls in cogeneration, detailed design is the only design. Remember to:

01www.energ.co.uk/chp

CHP Project Planning: How to Plan CHP Equipment Installation