Combined Heat and Power | CHP | Cogen | Cat | Caterpillar
What Is CHP?
CHP is an extremely efficient system that generates power on your site with cogeneration – producing electricity and thermal energy at the same time. This on-site power plant (or system) leverages the heat your generators produce, rather than wasting it like traditional power plants do.
As electric rates continue to climb and utility grids strain to meet demand, Combined Heat and Power (CHP), could be the answer you need to overcome these challenges.
CHP customers can also incorporate biogas, biofuels, or hydrogen into their system for further reductions in a site's overall GHG emissions.
What's the difference between CHP and Cogeneration?
CHP is sometimes referred to as “cogeneration” or “cogen,” but the terms aren’t exactly interchangeable. Cogeneration refers to the overall concept of producing electricity and heat from a single fuel source. Combined heat and power, or CHP, is a modern, integrated system that is able to get the most energy efficiency possible out of cogeneration.
How does CHP Work?
CHP systems capture heat produced by gensets and use that heat’s thermal energy for industrial processes. Applications of the thermal energy created by CHP systems can include space heating, water heating, drying, and producing low-pressure steam.
MYTH:
Systems can only work in conjunction with the utility grid.
REALITY:
CHP can run completely off the power grid, providing heat and power in island mode.
MYTH:
CHP is not an energy source in itself. It is a method for improving the efficiency of in-place energy systems and fuels.
REALITY:
CHP systems are optimized for maximum plant efficiency. By making use of otherwise wasted heat, facilities can gain a wide range of advantages.
MYTH:
CHP is designed for projects needing 24/7, yearlong power.
REALITY:
CHP can also be used seasonally, providing additional power in extreme temperatures.
Explore Products for CHP
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- Continuous Rating
- 2567 / 2552 ekW @ 1.0pf
- 2567 / 2552 ekW @ 1.0pf
- Fuel Type
- Natural Gas & Propane
- Natural Gas & Propane
- Maximum Electrical Efficiency
- 46.0%
- 46.0%
G3520K
From natural gas to biogas, coal mine gases, or hydrogen fuel blends to support combined heat and power (CHP), emergency power, and local grid support applications, Caterpillar has a wide range of reliable gas power solutions.
Learn More- Continuous Rating
- 2027 / 2007 ekW @ 1.0pf
- 2027 / 2007 ekW @ 1.0pf
- Fuel Type
- Natural Gas, Hydrogen Blend (up to 25%)
- Natural Gas, Hydrogen Blend (up to 25%)
- Maximum Electrical Efficiency
- 45.30%
- 45.30%
G3516H
From natural gas to biogas, coal mine gases, or hydrogen fuel blends to support combined heat and power (CHP), emergency power, and local grid support applications, Caterpillar has a wide range of reliable gas power solutions.
Learn More- Continuous Rating
- 4300 / 4000 ekW @1.0pf
- 4300 / 4000 ekW @1.0pf
- Fuel Type
- Natural Gas, Biogas, Coal Gas, Associated Gas, Synthesis Gas, Hydrogen Blend (to 25%)
- Natural Gas, Biogas, Coal Gas, Associated Gas, Synthesis Gas, Hydrogen Blend (to 25%)
- Maximum Electrical Efficiency
- 44.1 / 43.8%
- 44.1 / 43.8%
CG260-16
From natural gas-fueled combined heat and power (CHP) systems and emergency power for facilities, to renewable biogas energy to support the local grid, or electricity generated from coal mine gases, Caterpillar has a wide range of reliable gas power solutions.
Learn More- Continuous Rating
- 2300 ekW @1.0pf
- 2300 ekW @1.0pf
- Fuel Type
- Natural Gas, Biogas, Coal Gas, Hydrogen Blend (up to 25%)
- Natural Gas, Biogas, Coal Gas, Hydrogen Blend (up to 25%)
- Maximum Electrical Efficiency
- 45.00%
- 45.00%
CG170B-20
State-of-the-art components providing more power: the compact design, a focus on a wide range of applications and highest efficiency values of its class make sure of that. Managed by a smart and secure control system, the new CG170B series offers the optimal balance between profitability and reliability.
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Applications
The Cat Advantage
CHP Testimonials
CHP for Large Buildings and Facilities Across Industries
CHP is used in over 4,400 large buildings and facilities nationwide, including:
INSTITUTIONS
Colleges and universities, hospitals, prisons, and military bases.
MUNICIPAL
K-12 schools, disctrict energy systems, and wastewater treatment facilities.
MANUFACTURERS
Chemical, refining, ethanol, paper, ad food processing.
COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
Office buildings, hotels, health clubs, and nursing homes.
RESIDENTIAL
Apartment complexes and planned communities.
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