High efficient cogeneration potential

Abstract

Due to the current problems that arise in the environmental, energy and economic areas, an increase of the efficiency of the use of fossil fuels is absolutely needed to reduce the dependence on hydrocarbons and improve tue quality of life. Cogeneration is a supply option that aims to achieve this goal, cogeneration by using the exhaust gases, and thermal energy from cooling systems from thermal equipment to supply useful thermal energy to other processes, producing two useful energy streams combined, usually mechanical or electric and thermal energy at the same time. The principal objective of this work is to evaluate the potential of cogeneration in the industrial sector of Ecuador. In this framework, a short introduction about the development of cogeneration over the last decades is presented, and a classification of cogeneration according to the sequence of production of electricity and heat, and according to the prime mover type is also presented. The concept of trigeneration is analyzed briefly. A summary of the studies used as a source for the present work as well as the current situation of the electricity market in Ecuador is also shown, being also analyzed the energy consumption data published by the INEC in 2011. Using the factors presented in the consulted bibliography, the cogeneration potential was calculated, considering the current electricity market structure of Ecuador, and using the electrical needs of industries as a base-line. An economic analysis was carried out using as four types of equipment and considering the effects of altitude above sea level as an important parameter. Finally, two specific facilities, representing the paper and the food industry were used as case studies to evaluate the implementation of cogeneration.