CHP Microturbine Configuration Model and Economic Analysis

Abstract

Energy produced at the power plant has losses until it reaches the
end-use site. Approximately two thirds of source energy is lost on the
way. These are thermal losses at the power plant and losses in trans-
mission and distribution systems. Energy prices are constantly rising.
Energy security is another major issue for industry. All these aspects
force industries to produce their own energy onsite.
The use of mainframe gas turbines for power generation has
increased in recent years and is likely to continue to increase. The pro-
portion of power generation using combined heat and power is also
growing mainly because of efficiency improvements and environmental
benefits. Mini- and microturbines offer a number of potential advan-
tages compared to other technologies for small-scale power genera-
tion, particularly for distributed power generation, although there are
some technical and non-technical barriers to the implementation of the
technology. Small turbines could be used for power generation in the
industrial, commercial and residential sectors.
The best common use of source energy is the production of com-
bined heat and power (CHP). To optimize return on investment, sys-
tems are sized to have maximum utilization and minimum idle time. A
detailed study considering the electrical and thermal energy needs of a
hotel building located in Istanbul was carried out. Thermal and electri-
cal peak loads of the building were measured and recorded. The peak
electricity demand of the building was found to be 694 kW. Domestic hot
water (DHW) and heating loads are 487 kW. Seven micro turbines of 65
kW (nominal electric power) are required to meet all the thermal energy
needs of the building. The electricity generated by the microturbines is
to be used to reduce electricity demand of the building. The analysis showed that 100% of thermal load and, 55% of electrical load is met
with the selected capacity.
Investment and operational costs are taken into account in calcu-
lating the feasibility of the project. In this study the net present value
method is used for detailed life cycle cost economic analysis.