Yhdistelmälaitokset

Yhdistelmälaitokset, also known as combined heat and power (CHP) plants or cogeneration facilities, are facilities that generate both electricity and useful thermal energy from a single fuel source. This process significantly increases overall energy efficiency compared to generating heat and electricity separately. Typically, the heat generated during electricity production is captured and utilized for heating buildings, industrial processes, or district heating networks.

The fundamental principle behind yhdistelmälaitokset is to recover waste heat that would otherwise be lost in conventional power generation. Common technologies employed in CHP plants include steam turbines, gas turbines, and internal combustion engines. In a steam turbine system, fuel is burned to produce steam, which drives a turbine to generate electricity. The exhaust steam, still at a considerable temperature, is then used for heating. Gas turbines use combustion gases to drive a turbine, and the hot exhaust gases can be used in a heat recovery steam generator or directly for industrial process heat. Internal combustion engines also produce exhaust heat that can be harnessed.

The benefits of yhdistelmälaitokset are numerous. They offer substantial energy savings, leading to reduced fuel consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions. This enhanced efficiency translates into economic advantages through lower operating costs. Furthermore, CHP plants can improve the reliability of energy supply, especially when integrated with local heating systems, as they provide a stable source of both electricity and heat. They are a key technology for achieving energy efficiency goals and decarbonization efforts in various sectors, including industrial sites, large buildings, and urban districts.