Which types of fuel can be used with a CHP plant?
Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants are highly efficient systems designed to produce both electricity and usable heat simultaneously.
Central to their operation is the fuel type that powers the prime mover, such as a gas turbine, reciprocating engine, or steam turbine. The fuel is burned to generate power, and the resulting waste heat is captured and repurposed for heating applications, including water heating, space heating, or even industrial processes.
However, the type of fuel used plays a significant role in determining the system’s efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact. Therefore, we will discuss different fuel systems that are feasible for cogeneration, with a special focus on biogas as an – in our view – extremely advantageous fuel type for CHP plants.
What can fuel a CHP plant?
A variety of fuels can be used to power a CHP plant, making it a versatile energy solution for different industries. The most common fuels include:
Natural gas – the most widely used fuel in CHP systems, known for its efficiency and availability
Diesel – often used in remote or backup CHP systems, where availability of other fuels is limited
Biomass – organic material such as wood chips or agricultural waste to fuel steam turbines in CHP plants
Coal – although less common today due to its environmental impact, still used in some, primarily older facilities
Hydrogen – emerging as a clean alternative and being explored for its potential in future CHP systems
Biogas – a renewable energy source derived from organic waste, offering a sustainable option for CHP plants
With the increasing focus on renewability, biogas is gaining attention as a key player in the energy transition, particularly in CHP systems. Its unique benefits will be explored in the next section, highlighting why it’s becoming a preferred fuel for modern CHP plants.
The benefits of biogas as a fuel in CHP plants
Using biogas as a fuel in CHP plants offers several benefits. Derived from organic waste such as agricultural by-products, food waste, and wastewater sludge, biogas is a renewable and sustainable energy source.
One of its key advantages is that it utilizes waste materials, reducing landfill use and greenhouse gas emissions associated with waste decomposition. By converting organic waste into energy, biogas supports a circular economy while also contributing to energy security.
In CHP plants, biogas can be an efficient fuel due to its relatively high methane content, which enables a clean-burning process. It also offers greater availability, especially in regions where organic waste is abundant.
The use of biogas in CHP plants helps industries and municipalities reduce their carbon footprints, lower operational costs, and contribute to overall sustainability goals. Additionally, because biogas is produced locally, it reduces the reliance on imported fuels, further strengthening its role in sustainable energy production.
Cogeneration – everything you need to know
Cogeneration is an extremely efficient process, using one fuel for the production of both power and heat. Learn all about this process in this article.
Making biogas engines more efficient – our fuel at PowerUP
While biogas is an excellent renewable fuel for CHP plants, its use still requires high levels of efficiency to be truly competitive with fossil fuels. Biogas engines often face challenges such as fuel variability, which can affect combustion quality and overall system performance.
This is where PowerUP comes in. At PowerUP, we specialize in optimizing biogas engines to ensure that fuel is used effectively, thereby reducing fuel consumption, emissions, and operational costs.
By implementing advanced technologies and services, such as engine upgrades, overhauls, and spare parts developed by PowerUP for Caterpillar®, MWM® or Jenbacher® gas engines, we help CHP operators improve the efficiency of their biogas engines. This includes ensuring better combustion and reducing downtime through regular maintenance.
Our expertise enables biogas CHP systems to achieve higher levels of energy output while minimizing waste. With PowerUP’s solutions, you can ensure that your CHP plant operates at peak efficiency, making the most of the available biogas fuel while supporting a more sustainable energy future.
