Combined Heat and Power Systems in University Environment

Abstract

Combined heat and power (CHP) technology is still underutilized
in the building sector due to the concern of insufficient economic returns
related to the seasonal heating and cooling loads and the initial costs of
installing these applications. In order to justify the use of CHP systems,
the thermal energy created has to be used in a fashion that is favorable
to the building’s environment. The thermal load is used for heating, hot
water, and thermal-driven cooling and humidity controls. This includes a
variety of CHP technologies along with absorption chillers or desiccant
dehumidification systems.
This article provides a summary on some of the CHP installations
in university environment. The constant influence of changing technolo-
gies and higher utility rates has forced universities and colleges to make
energy management improvements. The literature survey on these uni-
versities is not vast because the new and improved systems are still in
their beginning years and have not established concrete success stories.
They have, however, shown enormous decreases in consumption and
begun to establish very profitable returns on their investments.