By the time we receive electricity from standard gas fired power stations 65% of the energy has been wasted. This has either disappeared in steam from the cooling towers or lost in the transference of electricity from the power station to the point of use. Consequently we are only getting 35% of the electricity we pay for.
The principle of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) a unit that operates as a boiler, but that additionally has an engine capable of creating electricity. By generating electricity close to a point of use the CHP unit is much more efficient. The electricity generated can be used by the buildings electrical distribution system, with any excess being exported onto the national grid. Additionally the CHP’s thermal output can often be easily converted to condensing operation enhancing further its efficiency. At a time of rapidly increasing utility costs the extra efficiency of a CHP unit means a much quicker pay back time.