Combined heat and power (CHP)

The generation of electricity and heat in a joint process

Definition:

Combined heat and power generation is the simultaneous generation of mechanical energy and usable heat in a joint thermodynamic process. The mechanical energy is usually converted directly into electricity, while the heat is used for heating purposes, as local or district heating or for production processes as process heat.

In other words, the useful heat is decoupled when generating electricity from fuels, thus reducing the release of unused waste heat into the environment. Combined heat and power generation enables fuel savings of up to a third of the primary energy compared to the separate generation of electricity and heat, but at the same time the electrical efficiency of the power plant is slightly reduced. Smaller CHP plants with an electrical output of around 100 kW are widely used to supply commercial enterprises, indoor swimming pools and residential areas or individual apartment buildings, so-called combined heat and power plants (CHP).

Source: Wikipedia