Combined heat and power plants for utilities and energy providers

CHP plants most commonly operate in parallel grid mode. In this setup, the generator is connected to the power grid and generates electricity alongside other power plants. In this mode, CHP systems can be operated either power-driven or heat-driven.

Heat-driven combined heat and power (CHP) plants are systems where the primary focus is on heat generation. The operation is based on the demand for thermal energy, which is needed for heating, hot water, or industrial processes. Depending on the CHP system, individual buildings, district heating networks, or entire industrys can be supplied. The generated electrical energy is used as a by-product and either consumed on-site or fed into the public grid. This operating mode achieves high overall efficiency, as the waste heat produced during electricity generation is used effectively.

Power-driven CHP systems are typically operated when the generated electricity is needed directly or should be fed into the public grid. These CHP systems are mainly used for decentralized power generation and usually run continuously or as needed when the generated electricity can be used economically or energetically. The heat produced is utilized as a by-product. This operating mode is particularly beneficial for customers who aim to achieve the economic viability of their system through the marketing or use of electrical power and have a concurrent heat demand.