Cogeneration Research Articles

The anode supported internal cathode tubular solid oxide fuel cell: Novel production of a cell geometry for combined heat and power applications

An effective strategy for generating combined heat and power (CHP) systems is to use the combustion of hydrocarbons to provide fuel reforming and heat production for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) operation. Though tubular SOFCs (tSOFCs) are well suited to the thermal cycling associated with combustion systems, they have a geometric limitation which requires significant alteration to the combustion chamber. These alterations can be eliminated by producing an anode supported internal cathode-tSOFC (IC-tSOFC) which can be directly integrated into the chamber with minimal alterations. Novel methods used to produce IC-tSOFCs are discussed in this work. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and performance characterization are used to analyze fabricated cells. With a peak power density of 369 mW∙cm−2, and an open circuit voltage (OCV) of 0.98 V, it is confirmed that novel production methods for IC-tSOFCs have been successful.

Algorithms for Bidding Strategies in Local Energy Markets: Exhaustive Search through Parallel Computing and Metaheuristic Optimization

The integration of different energy resources from traditional power systems presents new challenges for real-time implementation and operation. In the last decade, a way has been sought to optimize the operation of small microgrids (SMGs) that have a great variety of energy sources (PV (photovoltaic) prosumers, Genset CHP (combined heat and power), etc.) with uncertainty in energy production that results in different market prices. For this reason, metaheuristic methods have been used to optimize the decision-making process for multiple players in local and external markets. Players in this network include nine agents: three consumers, three prosumers (consumers with PV capabilities), and three CHP generators. This article deploys metaheuristic algorithms with the objective of maximizing power market transactions and clearing price. Since metaheuristic optimization algorithms do not guarantee global optima, an exhaustive search is deployed to find global optima points. The exhaustive search algorithm is implemented using a parallel computing architecture to reach feasible results in a short amount of time. The global optimal result is used as an indicator to evaluate the performance of the different metaheuristic algorithms. The paper presents results, discussion, comparison, and recommendations regarding the proposed set of algorithms and performance tests.

In Situ Growth and Activation of Ag/Ag2S Nanowire Clusters by H2S Plasma Treatment for Promoted Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction

AbstractNonmetallic activation of metal electrodes is effective and universal to improve the catalytic activity for the CO2 reduction reaction. Here, selective electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 is performed on a plasma‐activated Ag/Ag2S catalyst for the first time. By a facile H2S plasma treatment on Ag foil and subsequent electrochemical prereduction, Ag/Ag2S nanowire clusters are obtained in situ with different sizes. High Faradaic efficiency for CO generation on Ag/Ag2S is shifted to a significantly lower overpotential compared with untreated Ag foil with high current density. Density functional theory studies reveal that the promoted catalytic activity can be ascribed to the enhanced CO2 activation and reduced reaction energy barrier of the limiting step.

Valence Regulation of Ultrathin Cerium Vanadate Nanosheets for Enhanced Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction to CO

Atomic valence state regulation is an advantageous approach for improving photocatalytic efficiency and product selectivity. However, it is difficult to precisely control the ratio of the different valence states on the surface and the relationship between the surface valence change and catalytic efficiency in the photocatalytic reaction process is unclear. Herein, CeVO4 ultrathin nanosheets were fabricated by one-step solvothermal method with ethanolamine (MEA) as the structure-directing agent. The ratio of the concentrations of intrinsic Ce4+ and Ce3+ ions is precisely modulated from 19.82:100 to 13.33:100 changed by the volume of MEA added without morphology modification. The photocatalytic efficiency increases as the concentrations of intrinsic Ce4+ and Ce3+ ions decrease and CV3 (prepared with 3 mL of MEA) shows the highest CO generation rate approximately 6 and 14 times larger than CV (prepared without MEA) and CV1 (prepared with 1 mL of MEA), respectively, in the photocatalytic CO2 reduction. Interestingly, about 6.8% photo-induced Ce4+ ions were generated on the surface of the catalysts during the photocatalytic CO2 reduction without any phase and morphology changes for CV3. The photocatalytic reaction mechanism is proposed considering the intrinsic and photo-induced Ce4+ ions to obtain efficient photocatalysts.

Day-ahead offering strategy in the market for concentrating solar power considering thermoelectric decoupling by a compressed air energy storage

Due to limited fossil fuel resources, a growing increase in energy demand and the need to maintain positive environmental effects, concentrating solar power (CSP) plant as a promising technology has driven the world to find new sustainable and competitive methods for energy production. The scheduling capability of a CSP plant equipped with thermal energy storage (TES) surpasses a photovoltaic (PV) unit and augments the sustainability of energy system performance. However, restricting CSP plant application compared to a PV plant due to its high investment is a challenging issue. This paper presents a model to assemble a combined heat and power (CHP) with a CSP plant for enhancing heat utilization and reduce the overall cost of the plant, thus, the CSP benefits proved by researches can be implemented more economically. Moreover, the compressed air energy storage (CAES) is used with a CSP-TES-CHP plant in order that the thermoelectric decoupling of the CHP be facilitated. Therefore, the virtual power plant (VPP) created is a suitable design for large power grids, which can trade heat and electricity in response to the market without restraint by thermoelectric constraint. Furthermore, the day-ahead offering strategy of the VPP is modeled as a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) problem with the goal of maximizing the profit in the market. The simulation results prove the efficiency of the proposed model. The proposed VPP has a 2% increase in profit and a maximum 6% increase in the market electricity price per day compared to the system without CAES.

Techno-economic assessment of a small-scale biomass ORC-CHP for district heating

The present work focuses on the techno-economic assessment of a small-scale (1000 kWth) biomass-fired Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) plant for combined heat and power (CHP) generation coupled to a district heating network. The ORC is designed to maximize its nominal installed power for several natural refrigerants and R1233zd. A part-load model is developed to determine the plant’s annual electrical energy and heating output when covering the heating loads of energy-efficient buildings of communities of various sizes in three cities representing the main climate zones of Europe, namely Athens, Berlin and Helsinki, with a peak load of up to about 10,200 kWth. A series of parametric analyses are carried out to investigate the plant cost-effectiveness under different assumptions. The plant’s economic performance is very low, as only under the combined existence of multiple favorable factors (high electricity and heat prices, low biomass cost) and long operating hours it is possible to achieve discount payback periods of at least 5–7 years. Three factors that result in the unsatisfactory economic performance of the plant are its high specific cost, reduced operating hours and reduced electricity production, which is caused by the maximum temperature limitation of screw expanders at the investigated scale.

Combined heat and power as a platform for clean energy systems

Many regions and countries including Europe, China, Japan, and Canada are expanding their combined heat and power (CHP) systems, often coupled with renewable fuels, to provide platforms for clean energy. In the United States, however, CHP market shares are. A cost-benefit analysis of CHP systems in Georgia (an industry-heavy state in the Southeastern U.S.) suggests that the benefits from reduced fuel costs and steam production far exceed the CHP installation and O&M costs. We estimate other benefits, as well, including jobs, cleaner air, public health, and a 2–13% reduction in Georgia’s total carbon emissions. However, the capital-intensive nature of CHP systems can be difficult for host industries, and utilities are reluctant to purchase their excess electricity. Possible approaches to address these barriers include clean energy portfolio standards, regulatory reform, financial incentives such as tax credits. By developing a comprehensive case study methodology for evaluating the expansion of CHP systems, analysts can examine the costs and benefits of cogeneration in other regions with their particular industry profiles, fuel costs, and policies. Analysis of key stakeholders and policy options adds social and behavioral insights for the design of effective government interventions to capture the economic and social benefits of CHP systems.

Using biogas from municipal solid waste for energy production: Comparison between anaerobic digestion and sanitary landfilling

The objective of this work is to compare anaerobic digestion of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) and sanitary landfilling for combined heat and power (CHP) production, using biogas. The comparison aims to select the most appropriate method using economic, environmental, technological and legal criteria. In the first scenario considered, the total amount of 50,000 Mg/y (SI unit Mg = metric ton = tonne) commingled MSW is disposed of in a sanitary landfill. In the second scenario, 40% of OFMSW from 50,000 Mg/y of commingled MSW is source-separated and subject to dry, thermophilic, anaerobic digestion. The remainder MSW and the digestate are disposed of in a sanitary landfill. A sensitivity analysis for 100,000 and 200,000 Mg MSW/y was also conducted. For both methods, the appropriate CHP engines were selected, the amounts of produced biogas, energy, GHGs, NOx to the atmosphere, leachate production and the total capital and operation costs were calculated. Regression equations for total cost, net present value and gate fee were developed and used for economic assessment. Based on energy, environmental and legal criteria, CHP production from anaerobic digestion is favored, compared to sanitary landfilling. Based on economic criteria, anaerobic digestion is selected for MSW productions exceeding 210,000 Mg/y and 150,000 Mg/y, for the cases the investment is implemented with own funds or draws 55% from public funds, respectively. For smaller MSW productions, sanitary landfilling is favored, respectively. Although the results are based on Greek economic conditions, the comparison methodology can be applied to other countries.

Performance assessment of new energy-saving schemes for combined heat and power plants

A new energy-saving scheme is proposed for the combined heat and power (CHP) retrofitting in a coal-fired power plant by combining the high back-pressure (HBP), the absorption heat pump (AHP) and the absorption heat exchanger (AHE). Compared to the conventional CHP retrofitting scheme, the proposed new scheme reduces the exergy loss during heat transfer and the waste heat to environment, enabling more power output with the same heat supply amount. When the proposed new scheme is effectively applied in dual unit systems by system integration, the additional power loss caused by the off-design condition of the low-pressure turbine could be reduced or even eliminated, which further improves the overall performance. Detailed thermodynamic, exergy and techno-economic analyses are conducted to compare the proposed new scheme with the conventional scheme in a 2 × 350 MWe coal-fired power plant. With the same heat supply amount of 237.56 MWth, the power efficiency is increased by 3.55% in total. Techno-economic analysis results show that the dynamic payback period (DPP) to offset the total investment increase of the proposed new scheme is 1.59 years, and the net present value (NPV) increase for a 25-year lifespan can reach 48,805 thousand USD.

Robust decentralized optimization of Multi-Microgrids integrated with Power-to-X technologies

Nowadays, the enormous rising demand for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) in the transportation sector has a significant contribution in growing of multi-energy microgrids (MEMGs) accompanied by hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs), EV parking lots (EVPLs) and power-to-hydrogen (P2H2) technologies. The competency to enhance the efficiency and the reliability in MEMG systems leads to form a networked structure called multi-microgrids (MMG). In this paper, a robust decentralized energy management framework is proposed for the optimal day-ahead scheduling of a set of interconnected hydrogen, heat, and power-based microgrids (MGs) in the presence of HRSs and EVPLs. The proposed MMG is a collaborative structure of hydrogen provider company (HPC) and electricity markets with novel technologies such as power-to-heat (P2H), power-to-hydrogen (P2H2), combined heat and power (CHP) units, multiple energy storages and demand response to improve the system flexibility in meeting multi-energy demands. The necessity of data privacy preservation methods for MGs has emerged when the interconnected MGs are operated as an MMG to satisfy different energy demands with minimum cost. Therefore, an iterative-based algorithm called the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) is utilized to decompose the structure of the scheduling problem to minimize the total daily cost of the MMG system while protecting the data privacy of MEMGs. In the proposed structure, the robust optimization model is able to manage the uncertainty by considering the worst-case scenario for electricity price in different conservativeness levels as MEMGs are sensitive to electricity price fluctuations. Finally, the simulation results represent the effectiveness of the proposed decentralized model under the worst case of electricity market price to meet the demand for electricity, heat, and hydrogen.

Variation characteristics of active groups and macroscopic gas products during low-temperature oxidation of coal under the action of inert gases N2 and CO2

This research is aimed at studying the different effects and mechanisms of CO2 and N2 on inhibiting coal spontaneous combustion (CSC) and providing theoretical guidance for the prevention and control of CSC in the goaf. The variations of free radicals and functional groups and the generation of indicator gas CO during low-temperature oxidation of coal under the conditions of dry air (DA), dry air-nitrogen mixture (DA + N2) and dry air-carbon dioxide mixture (DA + CO2) were investigated based on electron spin resonance spectrometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatograph. The experimental results reveal that the reaction of free radicals and the transformation of functional groups occur in the low-temperature oxidation process. In the whole oxidation heating process (30–230 °C), the concentrations of free radicals (Ng) increase by 4.04 × 1017 spin/g, 2.24 × 1017 spin/g and 1.90 × 1017 spin/g under the conditions of DA, DA + N2 and DA + CO2, respectively. The variation ranges of peak areas of active functional groups (–C-O–, –CO, –CH2–, –CH3 and –OH) under the action of inert gases (CO2 and N2) are notably smaller than those in the DA environment. The time and amount of CO generation both exhibit an obvious “hysteresis effect”, indicating that the presence of N2 and CO2 inhibits coal oxidation and conduces to CSC prevention. A comparison between the values of inhibition effect parameters R (RCO, RNg, R-C-O- and R-CO) and P (P-CH2-, –CH3, P-OH) discloses that CO2 boasts a superior ability to inhibit CSC than N2. This study presents a comparison between N2 and CO2 in CSC prevention and control based on the variation characteristics of indicator gas and active groups. It provides an experimental and theoretical basis for developing and improving the technology of fire prevention and extinguishing by inert gases.

Distributionally robust chance-constrained flexibility planning for integrated energy system

Inflexible combined heat and power (CHP) plants and uncertain wind power production result in excess power in distribution networks, which leads to inverse power flow challenging grid operations. Power-to-X facilities such as electrolysers and electric boilers can offer extra flexibility to the integrated energy system. In this regard, we aim to jointly determine the optimal Power-to-X facility sizing and integrated energy system operations in this study. To account for wind power uncertainties, a distributionally robust chance-constrained model is developed to characterize wind power uncertainties using ambiguity sets. Linear decision rules are applied to analytically express real-time recourse actions when uncertainties are exposed, which allows the propagation of wind power uncertainties to gas and heat systems. Accordingly, the developed three-stage distributionally robust chance-constrained model is converted into a computationally tractable single-stage mixed-integer conic model. A case study validates the effectiveness of introducing the electrolyser and electric boiler into the integrated energy system, with respect to the decreased system cost, expanded CHP plant flexibility and reduced inverse power flow. The developed distributionally robust optimization model exhibits better effectiveness and robustness compared to a chance-constrained optimization model assuming wind forecast errors follow Gaussian distribution. Detailed profit analysis reveals that although the overall system cost is minimized, the profit is distributed unevenly across various stakeholders in the system. The profit mainly falls with the wind power plants, which therefore are most motivated to make investments in the flexibility resources. Other parties rely on additional policies such as bilateral contracts with the wind power plants to gain incentives to invest. The findings from this study can be used to motivate policy-makers to make proper regulations to incentivize investments in flexibility resources and establish a more reliable power grid.

Analyzing the spatio-temporal variation of the CO2 emissions from district heating systems with “Coal-to-Gas” transition: Evidence from GTWR model and satellite data in China

Understanding the spatio-temporal heterogeneous effects of socioeconomic and meteorological factors on CO2 emissions from combinations of different district heating systems with “Coal-to-Gas” transition can contribute to the development of future low-carbon energy systems that are efficient and effective. This work downscales city-level CO2 emissions to a 3 × 3 km2 gridded level in northern China during 2012 to 2018. By employing the Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression (GTWR) model, nighttime light (NTL) data are adopted as a proxy of the level of urbanization, and the Temperature-Humidity-Wind (THW) Index is used as a proxy of meteorological factors in the downscaling model. The results show that, for more than 85% of the cities, urbanization significantly enhances the CO2 emissions of district heating systems, while the THW Index shows negative impacts on CO2 emissions. Significant spatial and temporal heterogeneity exists. The grids with the highest CO2 emissions from coal-fired boilers (grids with annual variation >0.59 Gg CO2/year) are mainly located in nonurban areas of the two megacities Beijing and Tianjin and also in the capital cities of each province. Urbanization has larger effects on the CO2 emissions of natural gas-fired boilers than of coal-fired boilers and combined heat and power (CHP). The average growth rate of CO2 emissions of gas-fired boilers in the urban areas of the study regions was approximately 4.7 times that of nonurban areas. The spatio-temporal heterogeneous impacts of urbanization on CO2 emissions should therefore be considered in future discussions of clean heating policies and climate response strategies.

A flexible-reliable operation optimization model of the networked energy hubs with distributed generations, energy storage systems and demand response

This paper presents a novel optimization model for the flexible-reliable operation (FRO) of energy hubs (EHs) in electricity, natural gas, and district heating networks. To achieve flexible EH in the presence of renewable energy sources (RESs) and combined heat and power (CHP) system, energy storage systems (ESS) and incentive-based demand response program (IDRP) are used. The proposed problem minimizes the total expected costs of operation, reliability, and flexibility of the energy networks including EHs. The optimization scheme is constrained to the optimal power flow (OPF) equations and the reliability requirements of these networks and the EH model in the presence of sources and active loads, namely ESS and IDRP. Scenario-based stochastic programming (SBSP) is utilized to model uncertainties of load, energy cost, power generation of RES, and network equipment availability. The problem has a mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) nature. Consequently, a hybrid teaching-learning-based optimization (TLBO) and crow search algorithm (CSA) is used to obtain a reliable optimal solution with a low standard deviation. Finally, by simulating the proposed scheme on a sample test system, the capabilities of this scheme in improving the reliability, operation, and flexibility of energy networks in accordance with the optimal scheduling for EHs are confirmed.

Biogas from source separated organic waste within a circular and life cycle perspective. A case study in Ontario, Canada

The appropriate transformation and valorisation of biogas offers environmental and economic opportunities in a future with restrictions upon fossil-based fuels and materials. The LCA method was used to quantify and compare the potential environmental impacts of an AD plant incorporating biogas co-generation and upgrading options, namely AD-CHP and AD-RNG. Using an average Anaerobic Digestion facility in Ontario, Canada, modelled after real facilities, as a case study, electricity and steel were identified as potential hotspot input materials carrying a disproportionate environmental burden for biogas production. With a system expansion approach, the biogas was subsequently utilized to produce (1) both heat and electricity using a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system, or (2) upgraded to renewable natural gas (also called biomethane) through chemical amine scrubbing, respectively.

A combined heat and green hydrogen (CHH) generator integrated with a heat network

Combined heat and power (CHP) systems offer high energy efficiencies as they utilise both the electricity generated and any excess heat by co-suppling to local consumers. This work presents the potential of a combined heat and hydrogen (CHH) system, a solution where Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis systems producing hydrogen at 60–70% efficiency also co-supply the excess heat to local heat networks. This work investigates the method of capture and utilisation of the excess heat from electrolysis. The analysed system was able to capture 312 kW of thermal energy per MW of electricity and can deliver it as heated water at either 75 °C or 45 °C this appropriate for existing district heat networks and lower temperature heat networks respectively. This yields an overall CHH system efficiency of 94.6%. An economic analysis was conducted based on income generated through revenue sales of both hydrogen and heat, which resulted in a significant reduction in the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen.

Evaluation of Dairy Wastewater Treatment Systems Using Carbon Footprint Analysis

Modernisation of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) should be carried out, taking into account its impact on global warming, e.g., through carbon footprint (CF) analysis. An important industrial sector in Poland is the dairy industry. In dairy WWTPs, the aerobic sewage sludge stabilisation applied thus far is being replaced by the anaerobic process. This change is positive due to the possibility of energy production, but it is unclear how it affects greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions. The aim of the research was to perform CF analysis for two scenarios of dairy WWTP operation. The analysis was based on the real operating data of the current system (current scenario) and project of its modernisation (alternative scenario). The current scenario consists of mechanical and dissolved air flotation (DAF) treatment, biological treatment in sequence batch reactors (SBRs), aerobic sewage sludge stabilisation and its final farmland usage. The alternative scenario assumes replacing aerobic stabilisation with anaerobic stabilisation and a combined heat and power (CHP) system. The CF calculations were based on empirical models, taking into account different emission input parameters, expressed in CO2 equivalents (CO2e). The total CF of the current scenario was 22 kg CO2e PE−1 year−1, while the alternative was 45 kg CO2e PE−1 year−1. The largest share in the current scenario belongs to emissions from WWTPs and energy use, while in the alternative, there is the addition of emissions from biogas use.

A Review of Small–Medium Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Technologies and Their Role within the 100% Renewable Energy Systems Scenario

The energy transition towards a scenario with 100% renewable energy sources (RES) for the energy system is starting to unfold its effects and is increasingly accepted. In such a scenario, a predominant role will be played by large photovoltaic and wind power plants. At the same time, the electrification of energy consumption is expected to develop further, with the ever-increasing diffusion of electric transport, heat pumps, and power-to-gas technologies. The not completely predictable nature of the RES is their well-known drawback, and it will require the use of energy storage technologies, in particular large-scale power-to-chemical conversion and chemical-to-power re-conversion, in view of the energy transition. Nonetheless, there is a lack in the literature regarding an analysis of the potential role of small–medium CCHP technologies in such a scenario. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to address what could be the role of the Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and/or Combined Cooling Heat and Power (CCHP) technologies fed by waste heat within the mentioned scenario. First, in this paper, a review of small–medium scale CHP technologies is performed, which may be fed by low temperature waste heat sources. Then, a review of the 100% RE scenario studied by researchers from the Lappeenranta University of Technology (through the so-called “LUT model”) is conducted to identify potential low temperature waste heat sources that could feed small–medium CHP technologies. Second, some possible interactions between those mentioned waste heat sources and the reviewed CHP technologies are presented through the crossing data collected from both sides. The results demonstrate that the most suitable waste heat sources for the selected CHP technologies are those related to gas turbines (heat recovery steam generator), steam turbines, and internal combustion engines. A preliminary economic analysis was also performed, which showed that the potential annual savings per unit of installed kW of the considered CHP technologies could reach EUR 255.00 and EUR 207.00 when related to power and heat production, respectively. Finally, the perspectives about the carbon footprint of the CHP/CCHP integration within the 100% renewable energy scenario were discussed.

Value of integrated electricity and heat scheduling with considering TSO–DSO cooperation

The active role of distribution system operators (DSOs) coordinated with the transmission system operator (TSO) is highlighted by increasing the competition of new parties in energy markets. Besides, combined heat and power (CHP) units are the primary heat supplier in district heating systems, and their electricity production is strongly coupled with heat productions. This paper evaluates an integrated model for scheduling electricity and heat with considering TSO–DSO cooperation to increase the operating efficiency in the day-ahead horizon. Also, this paper considers the cooperation of the electrical TSO, electrical DSOs, and district heating systems’ operators. The proposed model facilitates energy transactions between systems by considering intermediary variables. The share of each market party is calculated using intermediary variables and locational marginal prices of electrical and heating systems, and the values are compared to the cases with the isolated operating of energy systems. Also, the model considers thermal energy storage systems (TESs) and the heat transaction capability between neighbor systems, and the feasible convex region is used for the operation of CHP units. The DC power flow equations are used at the transmission level, while the AC power flow is used for distribution grids. The AC power flow equations are relaxed into the second-order cone programming (SOCP) formulation, which results in a mixed-integer second-order cone programming (MISOCP) problem. The proposed model is applied to the modified IEEE 24-bus test system, which contains electrical and heating systems at the distribution level. The result shows that the proposed model successfully reduces the operational costs and energy prices compared to the isolated scheduling of energy systems. Also, the model facilitates energy trading between market parties.

An Innovative Hybrid Heap-Based and Jellyfish Search Algorithm for Combined Heat and Power Economic Dispatch in Electrical Grids

This paper proposes a hybrid algorithm that combines two prominent nature-inspired meta-heuristic strategies to solve the combined heat and power (CHP) economic dispatch. In this line, an innovative hybrid heap-based and jellyfish search algorithm (HBJSA) is developed to enhance the performance of two recent algorithms: heap-based algorithm (HBA) and jellyfish search algorithm (JSA). The proposed hybrid HBJSA seeks to make use of the explorative features of HBA and the exploitative features of the JSA to overcome some of the problems found in their standard forms. The proposed hybrid HBJSA, HBA, and JSA are validated and statistically compared by attempting to solve a real-world optimization issue of the CHP economic dispatch. It aims to satisfy the power and heat demands and minimize the whole fuel cost (WFC) of the power and heat generation units. Additionally, a series of operational and electrical constraints such as non-convex feasible operating regions of CHP and valve-point effects of power-only plants, respectively, are considered in solving such a problem. The proposed hybrid HBJSA, HBA, and JSA are employed on two medium systems, which are 24-unit and 48-unit systems, and two large systems, which are 84- and 96-unit systems. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid HBJSA outperforms the standard HBA and JSA and other reported techniques when handling the CHP economic dispatch. Otherwise, comparative analyses are carried out to demonstrate the suggested HBJSA’s strong stability and robustness in determining the lowest minimum, average, and maximum WFC values compared to the HBA and JSA.