What combined cooling, heat and power can achieve in industrial applications

A best practice example regarding a combined heat, cooling and power plant is presented , which was awarded „CHP plant of the year 2017“ by the publication „Energie & Management“. The project demonstrates how a combined heat, cooling and power plant can provide a highly efficient supply of electricity, heat and cooling in the food industry.

The heart of the plant is a natural gas operated CHP-unit with a rated electric power of approx. 1.3 MWel. The distinctive feature of the energy network is that the heat of the CHP unit can be used flexibly at various temperature levels:

- steam can be produced for the use in the food production
- heat can be produced for the heating of buildings and offices
- cooling energy can be produced

The cooling energy is produced by an individually designed absorption chiller “congelo” using an ammonia-water-solution as a working fluid. The chiller is operated with heat provided by the CHP unit and can provide cooling energy to -10°C. Furthermore, the CHP unit can provide emergency power in the case of an electric grid failure. In a matter of minutes the electric supply for the cooling facilities on the site can be maintained.

The complete plant possesses a high efficiency of up to 95% during operation. In comparison to conventional solutions primary energy of up to 30% can be saved. This results in savings of 1,800 tonnes of CO2 per year.

During the presentation the complete approach starting with the energy concept created for the site up to the realization of the demonstration project is presented. Both speakers will report on the project planning, the systems engineering, as well as the scientific monitoring of the project.