Hyötykäyttölaitokset

Hyötykäyttölaitokset, often translated as utility plants or combined heat and power (CHP) plants, are industrial facilities designed to generate both electricity and useful heat. This process is based on the principle of cogeneration, where the waste heat produced during electricity generation is captured and utilized for other purposes, such as district heating or industrial processes. This significantly improves the overall energy efficiency compared to separate production of electricity and heat.

The core components of a hyötykäyttölaitos typically include a prime mover, such as a steam turbine, gas turbine, or internal combustion engine, which drives a generator to produce electricity. The exhaust or steam from this prime mover is then directed to a heat exchanger or a district heating network. Different fuel sources can be used, including fossil fuels like natural gas and coal, as well as renewable sources such as biomass and waste.

Hyötykäyttölaitokset play a crucial role in modern energy systems by reducing primary energy consumption and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. They are particularly common in urban areas for providing district heating to residential and commercial buildings, and in industrial zones to supply process heat. The efficient utilization of energy makes them an environmentally and economically attractive option for energy production.