Environmental evaluation of base-loaded CHP systems for different climate conditions in the US

Abstract

This article examines a methodology to illustrate the emissions reduction potential by a base-loaded combined heating and power (CHP) system in a given building across different US regions. In addition, the size of the prime mover that may potentially reduce the carbon dioxide emissions is determined. The potential carbon dioxide emission savings from a CHP system considers the ratio of emissions conversion factors applied to imported electricity to emissions conversion factors applied to fuel consumed Results indicate that to be able to achieve savings in carbon dioxide emissions, must be larger than a unique constant that only depends on the CHP components efficiencies. A hospital benchmark building developed by the Department of Energy in different climate conditions was used as an example to apply the methodology presented in this article. The effects of the CHP power generation unit (PGU) size and the CHP system efficiency on carbon dioxide emissions are also considered, and a range of possible values for PGU size and emissions reductions are presented. Results indicate that one of the main variables that affect the potential of a CHP system to reduce carbon dioxide emission is the efficiency of PGU.