Publisher's Synopsis
Combined heat and power (CHP) offers an efficient environmentally friendly means of converting a primary energy sources, such as natural gas or oil, into electricity.;This report looks at the small-scale CHP market, broadly accepted as being between 20kWe to 500 kWe. This is a mature, reliable, efficient and cost-effective technology, already found to be particularly well suited for applications where there is a simultaneous demand for heat and electricity for extended periods, such as in hotels, hospitals and leisure centres.;After a basic look at CHP, including some of the financial aspects, current small-scale CHP technology is reviewed. The report then considers the feasibility of using small-scale CHP in commercial office buildings by presenting a case study. The study involved an energy audit to determine energy usage, and daily, monthly and seasonal energy profiles.;The advantages of combining air conditioning or standby generation, and the use of heat mains to carry thermal energy to physically separated buildings is also looked at. The considerations applied in CHP options, the analysis of the benefits and a financial appraisal are studied in detail. The conditions that need to be achieved for financial viability are highlighted.;Some useful conclusions are drawn both on the case study and on small-scale CHP technology in general. An overview of the methdology used in the energy audit is provided as an appendix. Postage extra.
