thirds of the energy content of the input fuel is converted to heat and subsequently
wasted. As an alternative, an end-user with significant thermal and power needs can
simultaneously generate both its thermal and electrical energy in a CHP system
located at or near its facility. CHP can significantly increase the efficiency of energy
utilization, as shown in Fig. 5.4.
Distributed generation technologies
Thermal technologies
Renewable technologies
Small gas turbines
or micro turbines
Simple cycle
Recuperated cycle
Combined cycle
Cheng cycle
Brayton-fuel cell
cycle
Brayton-diesel
cycle
Molten carbonate
fuel cell
Direct methanol
fuel cell
Phosphoric acid
fuel cell
Proton exchange
membrane fuel cell
Solid oxide
fuel cell
Silicon wafers
Thin film
technology
Internal combustion
engines
Stirling engines
Fuel cells
Wind turbines
Photovoltaics
Biomass
Fig. 5.3 Distributed technologies for power generation
Fig. 5.4 Comparison of conventional power plant with combined heat and power (CHP) system
5 Realizing a Local Low-Carbon Society Through Urban-Rural Linkage
111