Increasing business value: combined heat and power systems, the way of future or the way now Take the initiative and develop a sustainable strategic approach

Abstract

Combined heat and power (CHP) systems is a sustainable approach for energy production for a variety of users (i.e., industries and commercial buildings) and in smaller applications. CHP systems have proven to be a suitable technology to better achieve the strategic goals of environmental sustainability. The wise operation of these systems lead to environmental sustainability through energy use efficiencies and the emission reduction of criteria pollutants (i.e., CO, NO2, SO2, PM), hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), and greenhouse gases (i.e., CO2). These benefits are linked to a different approach in the life cycle of energy generation projects, which considers not only the design of system configurations that lead to increase thermal heat recovery efficiencies/net reduction in fuel efficiency, but also the potential uses of the produced energy. These systems provide a win-win situation (net benefit) to its users (financial), the environment (planet), and the general public (society).