Combined heat and power (CHP) systems are a highly efficient form of distributed generation, typically designed to power a single industrial plant, large building, campus, or group of facilities. CHP lowers energy costs, enhances energy resilience and reduces overall emissions for the user, while improving grid reliability, energy security and economic competitiveness for the surrounding community.

In the past, CHP installations required customized engineering and design with systems constructed at the user site. This practice, known as “design-build,” is still commonly employed, especially for large installations with unique thermal requirements. However, as CHP technologies have become more established, many manufacturers have started producing standardized packaged CHP systems that eliminate many of the site-specific engineering requirements.

PACKAGED CHP SYSTEM DESIGN

Packaged CHP systems can incorporate a variety of CHP technologies, including reciprocating engines, microturbines, combustion turbines and fuel cells. Instead of being defined by the type of prime mover, packaged systems are defined by their pre-installed components and turn-key functionality. Manufacturers design and build standardized systems that can be used in many different settings, rather than designing and engineering a new system for each location. These units are tested and pre-assembled, arriving skid-mounted or containerized with standard installation requirements. Most containerized or single packaged CHP system offerings range from 10 kW – 3 MW. Modular pre-engineered systems are available in larger sizes. The eCatalog includes packaged systems up to 17 MW.

TYPICAL PACKAGED CHP COMPONENTS