Principle:
The diesel engine burns natural gas with the assistance of AdBlue® (a highly pure aqueous solution of synthetic urea), representing one of the most environmentally friendly methods available, with minimal impact on air quality and ecology. Our cogeneration unit (CGU) can be likened to a heat and electricity source for a village or community comprising 60 to 100 houses or apartments.
How It Works:
- The rotation of the engine is converted into electrical energy.
- All generated energy is utilized to power the building.
- Heat from the engine and flue gases is stored in a water tank with a temperature of 90°C and a volume of 100 m³, which is used for hot water heating, space heating, and the operation of the HVAC system at a temperature gradient of 70°C/40°C.
- We primarily use the CGU as a source of heat, but it also achieves full efficiency when utilized for electricity production.
- If necessary, the CGU can meet the entire thermal energy demand of ELI.
- Once the storage tank reaches full capacity, the CGU is switched off, and the heat from the tank is consumed.
Key Numbers:
- Heat output: 630 kWh (sufficient for approximately 120 modern family houses)
- Electrical output: 530 kWh (sufficient for about 60 typical households)
- Investment: 26,266,378 CZK
- Subsidy support: 22,326,421 CZK
- Expected savings: approximately 6,500,000 CZK/year, 2,276.894 tons/year CO₂e.
- Gas consumption: approximately 1,384 kWh or 131 m³
Current Electricity Prices:
- From the grid: approximately 5.0 CZK/kWh
- From our CGU: approximately 2.5 CZK/kWh
What it brings to us:
- Higher Efficiency: A cogeneration unit achieves greater overall efficiency by simultaneously producing electricity and utilizing waste heat for heating or industrial processes. The overall efficiency exceeds 80%, which is significantly higher than conventional separate heat and power systems.
- Reducing Emissions: The high efficiency of the CGU leads to lower fuel consumption, resulting in reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. A modern CGU uses a more environmentally friendly fuel, natural gas, further minimizing our environmental footprint.
- Cost Savings: Through more efficient fuel utilization, the CGU reduces operating energy costs. Higher efficiency and reduced fuel costs contribute to a shorter return on investment.
- Energy Independence and Reliability: The CGU enables decentralized energy production, reducing dependence on central energy sources and enhancing energy security. This unit provides a stable power supply even during outages in the central grid.
- Flexibility and Scalability: A modern cogeneration system allows easy adaptation to changing energy needs and can be integrated with renewable energy sources such as solar panels, increasing its flexibility.
- Improved Management and Monitoring: The new CGU is equipped with an advanced control and monitoring system that optimizes operation and enhances efficiency. This system enables remote control and monitoring, improving maintenance and minimizing downtime.
- Promoting Sustainability: A cogeneration system supports sustainable development by using energy resources more efficiently and reducing emissions, contributing to carbon footprint reduction targets.
