CHP Systems: High-Efficiency Cogeneration for Complex Energy Systems
Spike Renewables operates in the design and integration of cogeneration systems (CHP – Combined Heat and Power) for civil, commercial, and industrial applications characterized by complex and continuous energy demands. The activities carried out include the development of systems capable of simultaneously producing electrical and thermal energy and, in advanced configurations, also cooling energy, maximizing the overall efficiency of the energy cycle. The experience gained involves medium-sized plants, typically in the range of 300–400 kWe, integrated within complex energy plants and designed to operate in parallel with the electrical grid.
Cogeneration system architecture
The CHP systems developed by Spike Renewables are based on internal combustion engines fueled by natural gas or renewable fuels, coupled with alternators for electrical power generation. The heat generated by the engine is recovered through multiple heat exchange stages, utilizing energy from the cooling circuits and exhaust gases to produce hot water at different temperature levels. This configuration enables high overall energy efficiencies, significantly reducing wasted energy compared to the separate production of electricity and heat.
Integration with thermal and cooling systems
A significant portion of the projects involved integrating CHP systems with existing or newly built boiler plants and chiller plants. The recovered heat is used to supply heating circuits, domestic hot water production, and medium-temperature processes, while during summer periods it can be used to drive absorption chillers, enabling chilled water production without significant additional electrical consumption. These solutions allow for trigeneration configurations, particularly suitable for buildings with well-balanced seasonal thermal and cooling loads.
Automation, control, and energy metering
CHP systems are complemented by control and supervision systems capable of coordinated management of electrical, thermal, and cooling production. The developed solutions include energy metering of generated and consumed energy, load priority management, and interfacing with the building’s electrical and thermal distribution systems. This approach enables advanced energy management and detailed performance evaluation of the system over time.
Added value of design expertise
The experience gained in cogeneration systems allows Spike Renewables to develop tailor-made CHP solutions that combine energy efficiency, reliability, and economic sustainability. The ability to integrate cogeneration with complex thermal and cooling systems makes these plants a strategic tool for reducing energy consumption and overall emissions.