Introduction
Tri-generation is the production of electricity, heat and cooling in the one process. Our JINAN gas fired generator is well suited for this technology whereby electricity is generated as well as Heat. The exhaust heat is channeled through an absorption chiller which produces chilled water for air conditioning or other cooling needs. The heat generated can as well be used to heat a swimming pool, generated steam or hot water for industrial uses. The ratio of electricity produced and exhaust heat for the absorption chiller and then the ratio of cooling to heating can be varied to meet the specific site requirements.
Advantages Versus Conventional Refrigeration
Absorption based refrigeration technology offers the most established and economic solution for reduced emission, air conditioning systems:
• Operated with heat, utilising relatively inexpensive ‘excess energy’
• Production of electricity that can be fed into the power grid or used to cover the plant’s electricity requirements
• During cold seasons, the heat can be utilised to cover heat requirements
• Absorption chillers have no moving parts, there for there is no wear and maintenance costs are low.
• Absorption system has noiseless operation
• Low operating costs and lifecycle costs
• Using water as a refrigerant replaces the use of ozone damaging substances.
The Benefits of a Tri-generation System
Savings on energy costs
Using tri-generation to produce electricity, and specifically when using gas to run the generator and produce heat for the absorption chiller instead of power from the grid to run the air conditioning plant, savings on energy costs in the order of up to 30% can be achieved, depending on the relative price of gas and electricity to the site.
Savings on Greenhouse gases
Producing electricity on site using gas produces approximately 30% less greenhouse gases than using power from the diesel set for an equal amount of power output.
Back-up power to the site
A tri-generation plant can provide a substantial proportion of a site’s power and in the case of a black-out can provide a proportion of the site’s energy requirements.
Independence from the Grid
Installing a tri-generation plant provides a site with a level of independence from the power grid. In some areas the capacity of the grid is constrained and in extreme conditions the grid may need to impose restrictions on use.
Constraints on the Grid
At some sites the grid constraints may be limited or the cost to the user to upgrade the grid so high that the use of the site is constrained. A tri-generation plant can overcome this constraint.
Energy costs are rising
Worldwide the cost of energy from the grid is rising and will continue to rise into the foreseeable future. A tri-generation plant can be a buffer against some of this increase in energy costs.