Combined heat and power in a carbon-constrained world

Abstract

Combined heat and power (CHP) is a tried and tested technology that can deliver significant benefits in a world of constrained energy resources and ever tightening greenhouse gas emission limits. This paper provides an introduction to CHP and its application in the UK and reviews currently available technologies and the emerging micro-CHP systems. In the future, sustainably sourced biomass is expected to play a much more substantial role in energy provision and, with limited availability, it is important that this resource is used as efficiently as possible. However, the current generation of biomass fuels present difficulties for use in distributed CHP plant due to their low energy density and the high capital cost of the required plant and equipment. This paper reviews the options for biomass fuels and discusses the emerging technology of torrefaction, a process that produces a more energy dense and easily handled fuel that will help to open up the market for distributed renewable CHP schemes.