CHP systems rejecting heat unnecessarily
Following observations that a large number of electrically biased CHP systems have been designed to reject heat unnecessarily, Pete Mills of Bosch Commercial & Industrial Heating has called for a more responsible approach to designing CHP systems. He says, ‘The number of small-scale CHP system that have been designed to prioritise financial gains over efficiency benefits is a huge concern as the industry attempts to reduce emissions in the non-domestic sector.’
He is concerned that a ‘worrying number’ of CHP systems are being designed to routinely reject much of the heat generated via dry-air coolers.
He explains, ‘In the vast majority of cases, this should be considered poor practice as it not only reduces efficiency levels but also hampers CO2- and financial-saving potential. In such instances, more thought needs to go into the ways heat can be used rather than wasted.’
He suggests that the DECC’s QA scheme for CHP should always be a goal for system designers. ‘Although voluntary, the scheme offers a number of additional benefits for CHP investors. Those with small-scale schemes where heat is not rejected can benefit from further savings through the Climate Change Levy exemption, access to Enhanced Capital Allowances, and metering arranges to monitor the quality of the scheme. These are all opportunities that should be taken advantage of.’
