koostootmine

Koostootmine, also known as combined heat and power (CHP) or cogeneration, is an industrial process that simultaneously generates both electricity and useful thermal energy from a single fuel source. This method is significantly more efficient than generating electricity and heat separately. In a typical power plant, a large portion of the energy in the fuel is lost as waste heat. Koostootmine captures and utilizes this waste heat, typically for district heating, industrial processes, or space heating.

The process usually begins with the combustion of a fuel, such as natural gas, coal, biomass, or waste. This combustion generates high-temperature gases that drive a turbine connected to a generator, producing electricity. The heat that would normally be exhausted from the turbine is then captured by a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) or a similar system. This recovered heat can be used directly or converted into steam or hot water for various thermal applications.

Koostootmine offers several environmental and economic benefits. Its high energy efficiency reduces fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to separate generation. By decentralizing energy production closer to the point of use, it can also reduce transmission losses. Economically, it can lower energy costs for industrial facilities and communities. The technology is widely employed in industrial complexes, large buildings, and district heating systems worldwide.