Repsol YPF
Ruta
Applications
The main applications of cogeneration are the ones that are listed below:
- Production of steam (saturated or re-heated).
- Production of steam and hot water.
- Generating hot water.
- Production of thermal fluid and vapour.
- Drying.
- High-temperature ovens.
- Steam turbine in a combined cycle.
In hospitals, the uniform demand for thermal energy and high levels of electricity consumption provide ideal conditions for the use of cogeneration plants, which can also be used to generate electricity in case of emergencies.
Low-power cogeneration units are an ideal solution for any users who regularly require heat at low temperatures and with low levels of electrical consumption. Thus, they are suitable for indoor swimming pools that use thermal energy in the form of hot water for showers, the swimming pool basin and the heating of the air in the sports hall and changing rooms; and they also need electricity for the cleaning pumps, lighting, ventilation, etc.
It is possible to produce cold through conventional compressors or by using absorption machines, as outlined in the following table:
In the case of absorption machines, residual heat that comes from industrial processes or cogeneration systems in the cycle-warming stage can be used, rather than the flame of a burner, resulting in the following advantages:
- A longer time during which the cogeneration unit works, by additionally making use of the thermal energy.
- Reduction of the consumption of electricity from the grid and, consequently, of the cost of energy.
For cogeneration applications of between 20 and 170 kW, compact cogeneration units are manufactured and sold that can be used in places where they are simultaneously needed "in situ" (on site), like, for example, swimming pools, hospitals, public administration buildings,
industry and residential developments with their own thermal substations. Cogeneration units can be used in combination with absorption cooling plants, thus achieving long working periods, also in the summer.
The diagram for the installation of these units in homes could be similar to the one that is shown below:
