i have worked past six years setting up power generation plants gas based and HSD based (Caterpiller Generators and Solar gasturbines)and my observation is that if its gas based either gas turbine or Reciprocal engine driven power plants co-generation works out very benifical .with HSD based power plants its very un echanomical to go-for Co-generation infact one of the gasturbine power plants operating on HSD in Karnataka landed into a situation they are finding it very expencive to operate the powerplant in spite of co-generation.The lesson is unless gas based fuels are avilable co-generation seems for away.well even coal based power plants are finding it defficult as avilable indian coal quality and calorific values are undependable.I fully agree co-generation is very lucrative which ever angle you look at it.

Here to add a basic facts on thermal efficiency in power generation:

Prime mover

Gas turbine

1. 1) Simple % Thermal Eff. 17-25
2. 2) Regenerative % Thermal Eff. 25-34

Steam turbine % Thermal Eff. 20-27

STAG unfired (steam & gas comb.) % Thermal Eff. 25-34

STAG fired % Thermal Eff. 50-70

For further information refer paper from IEEE Transaction on industry application

sir

can u tell me what a co-generation plant mean

what are the inputs we give

who does it work

ok

Well in simple language Co-Generation means extraction of energy from waste heat example if you are running a diesel engine driven generator the waste heat from exhaust could be harnesed to produce steam which in turn will be used for process in your industry you can save on burning fuel in boiler. again it depends on size of your generator set ,quantum & Temperature of exhaust avilable.there are instances super heated steam at High pressure (40Bar) using heat recovery steam generators or (HRSG)is produced to drive steam turbine to generate electricty and drive Vapour obserption chillers to produce chilled water.there are number of websites avilable on Combined heat and power or CHP (Generaly termed CO-Generation)

Cogeneration (Combined Heat and Power - CHP)

Cogeneration is the simultaneous production of two kinds of energy -- usually electricity and heat -- from one source of fuel. Cogeneration often replaces the traditional method of supplying multiple forms of energy, such as purchasing electricity from the power grid and separately burning natural gas or oil in a furnace to produce heat or steam.

While traditional energy from the power grid may be convenient, it wastes up to two-thirds of the energy in the original fuel -- which you pay for in your power bills. On-site cogeneration systems not only generate electricity more efficiently, they also capture and use most of the heat that is normally wasted in a traditional power plant. Depending on your application, a cogeneration system can double your overall energy efficiency and save up to 35% on energy expenditures.in puts required for co-generation are what is the size of your power plant.what is the fuel used and calorific value of fuel used.do you have sufficent space and manpower to operate the plant.most impartent can an establishment is ready for first cost of co-generation plant(No doubt you can recover the cost say with in three to five years)

Does anyone here have any guidance regarding the feasability of building a cogeneration power plant? What are some of the major hurdles in cost, and how are they recouped? I have no idea how the energy produced could be sold or for how much, either.

I found the blog because I am thinking about trying to develop a power plant, but I don't really know where to start. I know that my land has lots of methane under it and I am wondering if that could be a fuel source. Does anyone know how much methane is needed for a turbine? Is it an efficient conversion to electricity?

I have just discovered this topic and I am very interested in learning more. You all seem to know quite a bit about it.

Thanks for any input.

-Matt

hvae the methane analysed for chemical compositions with the report approch any gasturbine manafacturer he will do the rest of the job as for as i know solar gas turbines USA was working on such projects .Turbomach are their dealers world wide for caterpillar solarturbines.caterpillar USA also have developed gas engines you can approch them also.

crm

How much does it cost to set up a cogeneration plant?