koostootmisjaamu

Koostootmisjaamu, also known as combined heat and power (CHP) plants or cogeneration plants, are facilities that generate electricity and useful heat simultaneously from a single fuel source. This process significantly improves overall energy efficiency compared to separate generation of electricity and heat. The primary principle behind CHP is to capture the waste heat that would otherwise be lost in conventional power generation and utilize it for other purposes, such as district heating, industrial processes, or even cooling through absorption chillers.

The typical components of a koostootmisjaam include a prime mover, such as a gas turbine, steam turbine, or internal combustion engine, which drives a generator to produce electricity. The hot exhaust gases or steam from the prime mover are then directed to a heat recovery system. This system, often a heat exchanger or boiler, transfers the thermal energy to a working fluid, typically water, which is then distributed for its intended application. The choice of prime mover depends on factors like fuel availability, scale of operation, and specific heat demand profiles.

Koostootmisjaamu are employed in a wide range of applications, from large industrial complexes and district heating networks in urban areas to smaller commercial buildings and even individual homes. Their ability to enhance energy efficiency leads to reduced fuel consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions. This makes them an important technology for improving energy security and achieving environmental sustainability goals. The flexibility in fuel sources, which can include natural gas, biomass, biogas, and waste heat, further contributes to their versatility.