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Combined heat and power

Definition

Combined heat and power (CHP), also known as cogeneration, is a process that simultaneously generates electricity and useful heat from the same energy source. It increases overall efficiency by utilizing waste heat that would otherwise be wasted in conventional power plants.

Analogy

Think of combined heat and power like a multitasking superhero. Just like how a superhero can save lives while fighting crime at the same time, CHP produces electricity while also capturing and using the waste heat, making it more efficient than traditional power generation methods.

Related terms

Natural gas: A fossil fuel composed mainly of methane, natural gas is commonly used as the energy source for combined heat and power systems due to its high energy content and lower carbon emissions compared to other fossil fuels.

Methane: Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is released during the extraction, production, and transport of natural gas. It plays a significant role in climate change due to its ability to trap heat in the atmosphere.

Energy efficiency: Energy efficiency refers to using less energy to perform the same task or achieve the same outcome. In the context of combined heat and power, it highlights how CHP systems maximize energy utilization by producing both electricity and useful heat from a single fuel source.