Sometimes referred to as “cogeneration”, CHP is the sequential or simultaneous generation of multiple forms of useful energy (usually mechanical and thermal) in a single, integrated system. These systems can help reduce the cost of heating, cooling, or providing power to a wide variety of commercial building types.
According to a recent report from Pike Research, annual installations of commercial CHP systems will reach nearly 39 gigawatts (GW) in 2012. That number will more than double by 2022, the study concludes, reaching 79.5 GW.
“The use of CHP can reduce a building’s energy demand by up to 40% when compared to the separate production of heat and power,” said senior research analyst Mackinnon Lawrence.
“Although the high upfront cost of CHP systems and the challenge of finding suitable uses for the heat generated are key barriers, relatively short payback periods have allowed many major companies to invest in these energy saving technologies.”
Lawrence added that CHP represents a “new paradigm” for commercial building applications. As an integrated system, CHP systems include a suite of prime mover technologies such as gas turbines, microturbines, fuel cells, and others paired with software and component hardware.
Since CHP deployments are not dependent on a single breakthrough technology, they are widely available for a range of applications, but intrinsically difficult to market to potential end users, architects and engineers.
