VARIABILITY OF WORKING CONDITIONS IN CHP EQUIPMENT

Cogeneration (CHP) devices, which combine the production of electricity and heat, are playing an increasingly important role in modern energy. Their flexibility and efficiency make them widely used in both industry and the municipal sector. However, to fully exploit the potential of these devices, it is necessary to thoroughly understand how changing operating conditions affect their efficiency and durability.

Load variability and its impact on efficiency

Gas turbines are much more flexible in terms of load variations than traditional gas engines. This means that they can operate stably and efficiently over a wide range of loads, from very low (even 10%) or maintain declared electrical efficiency in the range of 85-100% load.

Gas engines, although they can also operate in variable conditions, are more limited in the load range. At very low loads, their efficiency drops significantly, which can lead to increased fuel consumption and lower energy efficiency.

Another significant difference between gas turbines and gas engines is their size. Gas turbines are much smaller for the same power, which translates into lower space requirements. This means that installing turbines requires less space than installing a gas engine with the same power.

Additional factors influencing the variability of working conditions

In addition to the differences presented, other factors also influence the variability of the operating conditions of CHP devices:

• Fuel Type: Different fuel types (natural gas, biogas, fuel oil) can affect the performance and efficiency of the unit.
• Control Systems: Advanced control systems enable precise adjustment of the unit to changing load conditions and ensure optimum performance.
• Environmental Conditions: Ambient temperature, humidity, and pressure can affect the unit’s performance.
• System Configuration: The way the CHP unit is connected to other system components (e.g. boilers, heat exchangers) affects its flexibility and ability to operate in changing conditions.

The OSM Piątnica dairy processing plant is an excellent illustration of the importance of high efficiency under variable load. The three gas engines installed there (2x CAT G3512E, 1x G3516) with a total power of 4 MW operate in autonomous mode, powering the plant independently of the external network. Due to the dynamic nature of production processes, the demand for electricity in the plant is constantly changing. This in turn requires the generators to be able to quickly adapt to changing operating conditions, enabling the start and stop of individual units depending on the current demand.

Nevertheless, gas turbines, thanks to their flexibility, high efficiency and compact dimensions, are increasingly chosen as drive devices in CHP systems. Their ability to operate under variable load conditions makes them an ideal solution for many applications where high energy efficiency and flexibility are required.

The variability of working conditions is a significant challenge in the operation of CHP devices. However, thanks to appropriate technical and organizational solutions, its negative impact can be minimized and the efficiency and durability of these devices can be increased.

You can learn more about working conditions in CHP devices from our experts Adam and Jakub in the following thematic video:

Eneria marketing team

marketing@eneria.pl