industry

Combined Heat and Power (CHP): Recovering Exhaust Heat for Cogeneration

CHP Recovers Both Vectors

Combined heat and power (CHP) generates electricity on-site and captures the rejected heat for steam, hot water, or space heating. Overall efficiency can exceed 80 percent, far above grid power plus a boiler.

Exhaust Heat Recovery

After the engine or turbine, exhaust gas still carries significant heat. An air-to-air exchanger preheats combustion or make-up air, while a water-side exchanger feeds the heating loop.

Selection Notes

  • Engine exhaust is hot but can carry oil mist, so use isolated plate construction.
  • Avoid rotary wheels where exhaust could contaminate intake air.
  • Pair with heat pumps to upgrade low-grade CHP heat for district use.

CHP plus air-to-air recovery is a strong fit for campuses, hospitals, and industrial parks that already need both power and heat.