Title: Increasing business value: combined heat and power systems, the way of future or the way now? Take the initiative and develop a sustainable strategic approach

Authors: Mario G. Cora; Yung-Tse Hung

Addresses: University of Maryland University College, Administration Building, 3501 University Boulevard East, Adelphi, MD 20783, USA ' Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, 44115, USA

Abstract: Combined heat and power (CHP) systems is a sustainable approach for energy production for a variety of users (i.e., industries and commercial buildings) and in smaller applications. CHP systems have proven to be a suitable technology to better achieve the strategic goals of environmental sustainability. The wise operation of these systems lead to environmental sustainability through energy use efficiencies and the emission reduction of criteria pollutants (i.e., CO, NO₂, SO₂, PM), hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), and greenhouse gases (i.e., CO₂). These benefits are linked to a different approach in the life cycle of energy generation projects, which considers not only the design of system configurations that lead to increase thermal heat recovery efficiencies/net reduction in fuel efficiency, but also the potential uses of the produced energy. These systems provide a win-win situation (net benefit) to its users (financial), the environment (planet), and the general public (society).

Keywords: combined heat and power; CHP; internal combustion engine; ICE; gas turbines; cogeneration; power generation; energy efficiency; air pollution; value creation; sustainability.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2019.099005

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2019 Vol.23 No.3, pp.257 - 273

Received: 22 Dec 2017
Accepted: 13 Jun 2018
Published online: 12 Apr 2019 *

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