Advantages of small cogeneration and trigeneration for business
Cogeneration and trigeneration are the names of two technological processes for the production of energy and heat (cogeneration) and additionally cold (trigeneration). Each of them contributes to reducing the carbon footprint. What other advantages do trigeneration and cogeneration have? You will find out in the article below.
What is cogeneration?
Cogeneration is a technology that enables the simultaneous production of electricity and heat. Such a combined process is aimed at more effective use of primary energy from the same source (e.g. natural gas, biogas, biomethane, hydrogen).
Why is cogeneration more energy efficient than conventional (separate) production of energy and heat? The simultaneous production of electricity and heat allows for the recovery and reuse of energy from the combustion process. Therefore, it is not dispersed into the environment, but recycled and used again. For this reason, cogeneration in Poland is becoming more and more popular.
What does the cogeneration process look like in practice? A cogenerator is an engine (e.g. gas) that drives the shaft of the power generator (which is where electricity is induced). When gas is burned, high-temperature heat (from exhaust gas discharge) and low-temperature heat (from engine block cooling) are released. Thanks to cogeneration, the generated heat can be recovered and used for the company's needs.
Small cogeneration is nothing more than smaller units (cogenerators) with a capacity of up to 1 MW. They are useful primarily in production plants that consume large amounts of electricity and heat. This is also an excellent solution for companies working in three shifts from 5 to 7 days a week. The power of the cogenerator is individually selected to meet the needs of a given plant.
What are the benefits of cogeneration for business?
Cogeneration for energy and industry has many advantages. Combining the production of electricity and heat can increase the efficiency of the system to up to 90%. (compared to separate media production). What else can you gain?
- lower CO₂ and greenhouse gas emissions,
- lower and more stable energy costs,
- greater security of supply.
During conventional energy generation, much of it is wasted. Cogeneration enables the effective use of waste heat (e.g. for heating). This means not only cost optimization, but also reducing the negative impact on the environment, because combined production eliminates the need to burn additional fuel. Security of supply, in turn, results from the presence of a stable source operating outside the central distribution network.
What is trigeneration?
Trigeneration is an extension of the cogeneration process. This relatively new technology enables the combined production of electricity, heat and cooling. It therefore goes a step further than cogeneration by combining three systems in one integrated process.
Interestingly, trigeneration can be used simultaneously or separately. In smaller facilities, it is common practice to produce heat in winter and coolness in summer. Depending on your needs, you can also decide to produce electricity, heat and cooling simultaneously, which can be used, among others, in production plants and office premises.
Why is it worth choosing trigeneration?
Trigeneration is currently generating a lot of interest in Poland. This is due to numerous advantages. It is a reliable source of energy that also:
- affects the energy efficiency of facilities,
- reduces electricity consumption,
- cares about the environment.
The energy produced by trigeneration usually comes from the combustion of natural gas. However, installations can be based on almost any type of fuel, including: biogas or biofuel.
Energy efficiency and independence thanks to cogeneration and trigeneration
Cogeneration and trigeneration are the future of energy. This is also noticed by the legislator, who introduced a guaranteed bonus, i.e. a subsidy for electricity from high-efficiency cogeneration. Such support for cogeneration is an additional incentive to invest in a modern system.
Cogeneration and trigeneration installations require finding a trusted partner who will handle the design, construction and operation of the system. Check out the comprehensive offer Veolia and choose innovative technological solutions. We will help you find the optimal solution and we will be with you at every stage of the investment.
