Combined Cooling, Heating, and Power (CCHP) Systems

Abstract

Combined cooling, heating, and power ( CCHP ) systems are characterized by a decentralized power generation source where a portion of the heat released as a byproduct of generation is recovered rather than rejected to the atmosphere. This typically wasted thermal energy is then used for space heating, hot water, or for space cooling. The process can be a highly efficient use of input energy and may result in economic savings, reduced emissions, reduced overall primary energy consumption (PEC), and other benefits for the energy consumer when compared with a traditional separate heat and power system, whereby electricity is produced at a central power plant and thermal demand is met using separate on‐site equipment. This article presents a general description of CCHP systems as well as benefits that could be obtained from the CCHP system operation. Some of these benefits include the operational costs, carbon dioxide emissions, and PEC. The ability to gain the benefits described above by using CCHP systems depends on the type of prime mover used to generate power, the characteristics of a variety of system components, the method of operation, and the location of the system. The different prime movers and cooling technologies that can be used on these systems are discussed in this article. In addition, the system's operational strategies such as operating following the electric load, thermal load, base loading, or a combination of them are discussed in this article. Finally, state‐of‐the‐art ideas for improving and optimizing CCHP systems are described for their potential toward further development of the technology worldwide.