Combined heat and power, the global solution to voltage dip, pollution, and energy efficiency

Utilising the waste heat resulting from the thermal generation of electrical energy is not a new concept It dates from the beginning of the twentieth century and, with increasing industrialisation, increased in popularity. With the development of large, reliable and economic public supply systems however its use went into a steep decline. While such public supply systems catered for electrical demand, heat requirements were met by local boiler plant. Developments at the end of the twentieth century changed the situation completely. These developments are: (1) A significant increase in the price of fuel. (2) Increasing concern for the environment. (3) Sensitivity of much modern equipment to perturbations on the public supply, in particular voltage dip. In each of these areas, combined Heat and power (CHP) can make a positive contribution.