Combined heat and power generationSimple principle for utilising exhaust heat

Combined heat and power generation is based on a simple principle: electricity and heat are simultaneously produced from a fuel (usually in the form of steam and hot water). The exhaust heat from turbines or motors still contains considerable thermal energy. This energy is used by a heat exchanger to heat or vaporise water. The generated steam or hot water is then available for other applications. Municipal utility companies can utilise the steam for providing district heating while industrial users can use the hot water or steam in production processes, e.g. for heating or drying. Alternatively, the steam can be deployed in absorption chillers for process cooling.