Combined heat and power (CHP) projects provide the possibility for enhanced benefits to host sites and to utilities by helping to address peak power demands and on-site heating and cooling needs. CHP facilities that most effectively capture these benefits target high system efficiencies and complementary scheduling of electricity and energy needs.
On behalf of the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) Working Group, Itron conducts periodic measurement and evaluation (M&E) of CHP facilities installed under the SGIP. As a result, a certain amount of directly metered data is available on the amount of electricity generated, heat recovered, and fuel used at each site. In addition, Itron has access to electricity, fuel use, or recovered waste heat data monitored by the utilities, Itron, or third-party providers. Based on this information, Itron estimated actual achieved efficiencies and useful waste heat recovery levels for each facility and compared them against efficiency and waste heat recovery requirements. Itron then identified those facilities that had significant problems complying with the requirements (i.e., the “poor” performers) and identified the facilities that exceeded the requirements (i.e., the “good” performers). By comparing the design and operational aspects of the “good” performers against the “poor” performers, Itron was able to isolate possible causes of problems in achieving efficiency and waste heat recovery requirements. In-depth analyses, surveys, and site visits were then used to develop the following recommendations on ways in which to obtain improved efficiencies and better useful waste heat recovery.
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