CHP Combined Heat and Power FAQs

Combined Heat and Power: Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

What is combined heat and power (CHP)?  An efficient and clean approach to generating electric power and useful thermal energy from a single fuel source. CHP is used either to replace or supplement conventional separate heat and power (SHP). Instead of purchasing electricity from the local utility and burning fuel in an on-site furnace or boiler to produce thermal energy, an industrial or commercial facility can use CHP to provide both energy services in one energy-efficient step.

How Does CHP Work?

o   CHP involves the recovery of otherwise-wasted thermal energy to produce useful thermal energy or electricity, configured either as a topping or bottoming cycle.

o   In a typical topping cycle system, fuel is combusted in a prime mover such as a gas turbine or reciprocating engine to generate electricity. Energy normally lost in the prime mover’s hot exhaust and cooling systems is instead recovered to provide heat for industrial processes, hot water, or for space heating, cooling, and dehumidification.

o   In a bottoming cycle system, also referred to as “waste heat recovery,” fuel is combusted to provide thermal input to a furnace or other industrial process and heat rejected from the process is then used for electricity production.

Why is CHP more efficient than conventional electricity generation? CHP is a form of distributed generation, which is located at or near the energy-consuming facility, whereas conventional generation takes place in large centrally-located power plants. CHP’s higher efficiency comes from recovering the heat normally lost in power generation or industrial processes to provide heating or cooling on site, or to generate additional electricity. CHP’s inherent higher efficiency and elimination of transmission and distribution losses from the central power plant results in reduced primary energy use and lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Is CHP widely used in the United States?

·         The existing 82 GW of CHP capacity at almost 3,600 facilities represents 8 percent of current U.S. generating capacity and 12 percent of total electricity generated.

·         CHP is used in every state, and is primarily found in areas with high concentrations of industrial and commercial activity, high electricity prices, and policies favorable to CHP.

What kinds of facilities use CHP?  
CHP can be utilized in a variety of applications that have significant electric and thermal loads. Eighty-eight percent of existing CHP capacity is found in industrial applications, providing electricity and steam to energy-intensive industries such as chemicals, paper, refining, food processing, and metals manufacturing. CHP in commercial and institutional applications is currently 12 percent of existing capacity, providing electricity, steam, and hot water to hospitals, schools, university campuses, hotels, nursing homes, office buildings and apartment complexes.

 

What are the benefits of CHP for the energy user?

Ø  CHP reduces energy costs for the user.

Ø  CHP reduces the risk of electric grid disruptions and enhances energy reliability for the user. This is particularly useful for hospitals, research institutions, or industrial facilities where electric power outages are particularly disruptive and costly.

Ø  CHP provides predictability in the face of uncertain electricity prices.

What are the benefits of CHP for Your Community?

o   CHP reduces emissions of GHGs and other air pollutants by as much as 40 percent or more.

o   CHP consumes essentially zero water resources in generating electricity (a typical coal fired power plant consumes 0.2 to 0.6 gallons of water per kWh).

o   CHP offers a low-cost approach to adding new electricity generation capacity.

o   On-site electric generation reduces grid congestion and improves the reliability of the electricity distribution system.

o   CHP defers the need for investments in new central generating plants, transmission and distribution infrastructure, helping to minimize increases in electricity costs.

o   CHP uses highly-skilled local labor and technology.

A Journey along the Mississippi and Illinois River Towns

Scenic Vistas Tranquil Landscapes Historic Sites and Recreational Opportunities

The Great River Road in Illinois National Scenic Byway runs along the banks and bluffs of the Mississippi River, through quaint river towns and urban cities as it hugs the western border of Illinois for 550 miles. Experience an Illinois winery, brewery, farm, u-pick, or local farm to table restaurant.

Four Centuries of history and heritage and thousands of stories that recount America's evolution while experiencing breathtaking views, majestic landscapes and species that travel thousands of miles for a visit or to make themselves a home.

Fertile Soils and Waters Discovered by Native Americans Ideal partners for Agriculture and Farming

Your Journey begins in Chicago, a world-class city. Experience the heart of the city from the Chicago River and visit the city’s 57-acre Museum Campus which includes the Field Museum, home to more than 20 million objects on culture, science and the environment, the Art Institute of Chicago, second largest art museum in America with over 300,000 works of art.  

Chicago’s Neighborhoods include Wrigleyville, home to Wrigley Field and the Chicago Cubs, Lincoln Park, a great destination for shopping and dining; and Bucktown Wicker Park’s cafes and boutiques. 

US Route 66 Begins Here

The Illinois’ Great River Road Itinerary starts in Galena. In the early 1800s, this bustling town grew quickly with the discovery of lead in the surrounding hills. Over 85 percent of the town is on the National Register of Historic Places.  Walk in the footsteps of a president at the Ulysses S. Grant State Historic Site, once home to the 18^th President of the United States. The historic DeSoto House Hotel is the hub of Galena’s Historic Main Street, home to over 100 local merchants.

The rolling hills surrounding Galena are home to award-winning wineries including Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery and Rocky Waters Vineyard and Winery, and local distillery Blaum Bros. Distilling Co. At Wooded Wonderland, view the native prairie of northwestern Illinois, pick organically grown blueberries and visit an authentic country store that offers locally produced goods. Handmade wooden furniture and other items are crafted from native timber by local artisans. 

Savana and the Mississippi Palisades State Park. The park is rich in Native American history with hiking trails of varying difficulty. This section of the Mississippi River has stately bluffs that can be easily accessed from park overlooks, providing spectacular panoramic views of the river and bluffs below. 

Fulton is Home to the De Immigrant Windmill, one of only 12 authentic Dutch Windmills in the U.S.

Follow the Mississippi River to Moline, one of the Quad Cities, and take a cruise on the Celebration Belle, an authentic paddle wheel boat.

The Quad Cities Family Vacations Museums Historic Sites and Riverfront Festivals

Nauvoo, a National Historic Landmark community, was one of the largest towns on the American frontier in the 1840s. Now consisting of over 30 restored historical sites, visit a wagon ride with stops at some of the restored shops, homes and public buildings. Or take stroll at your leisure and enjoy demonstrations by reenactors at many of the historic buildings including the blacksmith, bakery, post office and school. Enjoy a glass of Illinois wine after touring Baxter’s Vineyards and Winery, Illinois’ oldest winery. Established in 1857, this family owned winery is now in the hands of the fifth generation.

Quincy has over 3,600 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the visitor center, Villa Kathrine, and the Quincy Museum, Newcomb-Stillwell Mansion. 

Grafton is situated at the northern end of the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. From here, the road winds between the Mississippi River and towering cliffs all the way to Alton.

Pere Marquette State Park Panoramic Views of the Illinois River

See pelicans, swans, geese, egrets, eagles and many other migrating birds at the Audubon Center at Riverlands. Experience the river from eight stories above during the Melvin Price Locks & Dam 26 tour. One of the largest locks and dam on the river, it is a central traffic point for barges. The Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower, a 180-foot tower with platforms at three heights, provides views of the rivers and land below. The nearby Lewis & Clark State Historic Site marks the point of departure for these two explorers who mapped the western U.S.

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site and UNESCO World Heritage Site is just south of Alton. This was the location of the largest prehistoric settlement in North America from 700 to 1400 A.D. Monks Mound is the largest mound on-site and the largest Pre-Columbian earthwork in North America.