Cogeneration Combined Cooling Heating Power
Combined heat and power (CHP) is one of the generation technologies traditionally dominant in microgrids.
co·gen·e·ra·tion | \ ˌkō-ˌje-nə-ˈrā-shən
The production of electricity using waste heat (as in steam) from an industrial process or the use of steam from electric power generation as a source of heat.
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Did You Know?
Cogeneration is basically the production of energy and usable heat (generally in the form of steam and hot water) in the same plant, usually by capturing heat that in older plants used to be simply wasted. It's one of the principal ways in which countries intend to reduce their greenhouse-gas emissions to slow climate change. Cogeneration plants are often small, and the fuels used in them are varied. Lumber mills, for instance, can operate their own cogeneration plants, feeding them with wood scraps and sawdust, and wastewater treatment plants generate gas that can likewise be used as a source of energy.
Since it's hard to move heat long distances, cogeneration is most efficient when the heat can be used nearby. Though the general public today knows little about cogeneration, more and more of us will be benefiting from it in the coming years.
What Sets Us Apart.
Integrated Cogeneration systems from Cogen Grows minimize energy costs, reduce carbon footprint, and ensure energy security for maximum competitiveness over the long-term. We consult closely with our customers to optimize the cost and efficiency of integrated energy plants that maintain continuity of power and control of grow room climate, both in parallel with or islanded from the electric grid.
CHP is a Cost-Effective Solution For Cannabis Production.
Cannabis cultivation requires a massive electricity load to maintain optimal lighting and other growing conditions. Not only are electricity costs high, but many grow houses require expensive and time-consuming electric service upgrades just to get started. It is not only crucial to grow plants, but to grow them quickly.
Combined heat & power (CHP), also known as cogeneration, is a possible solution because CHP uses natural gas to generate electricity onsite. The waste heat recovered from power generation can be used to meet other energy needs in the facility, reducing overall energy costs.
In some applications, CO2 from the exhaust can be recovered and used to provide a CO2-rich atmosphere that enhances growing capability. Waste heat from the engine is captured and delivered to the facility through a hot water loop that can store the energy and deliver it to the facility when needed for air conditioning and humidity control.
More Reliability.
For cannabis producers, relying on CHP rather than traditional power is beneficial if there is an unexpected power interruption, according to a Kinsley Group white paper. The industry, which is full of potential as a growing market, will eventually reach a point where energy efficiency is crucial. CHP is a more efficient and economical way to meet overall energy needs. CHP requires only 100 units of input to supply 85 units of energy available for grow house operation, whereas obtaining the same 85 units of energy conventionally from electric and natural gas utilities requires more than twice as much energy input. The system also must supply all heat and electric needs with a defined peak capacity.
The Heart Of Every Power Plant.
Traditionally, the delivery of heat and power are through separate processes. However, those separate processes can lead to wasted energy and high utility costs. Generating electricity at a distant power plant causes the release of a large amount of energy into the environment; also known as “waste heat.” The hot water can directly produce chilled water through an absorption chiller. The chilled water is used for cooling and dehumidification. Some hot water may be needed to reheat the air after moisture has been condensed out.
A Model for the Future.
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While Solar’s environmental efforts are most extensive in cultivation, they’re also present in manufacturing, where the company uses CO2 instead of solvents such as butane and ethanol for extraction.
On the retail side, Solar uses LED lights and recycled ocean plastic from Los Angeles-based Ocean Works for packaging. The TV monitors that display menus and specials demand very little electrical current to operate. Solar is transitioning to tin packaging because tin is more likely to be recycled than plastic, Dow said.
But the cogens continue to be the main focus. And as Solar’s relationship with National Grid has evolved, the company has returned to the idea of replacing the old circuit with an upgraded one so that it can reconnect with the grid.
