Special Report. Distributed Generation: Application determines DG system configuration

Power, Aug 2007 by Packham, Keith, Generation, Cummins Power

Excess waste heat from the engines not used to heat the pipeline is used for space heating during the winter. During the summer, this excess heat is dispersed by roof-mounted radiators.

Together, the CHP plant and the turboexpander-driven alternator produce 5.3 MW of electricity that is fed directly into the grid. Electrabel chose a cogen plant rather than a conventional boiler to preheat the gas because it can put the output of the plant to good use. The system has raised the efficiency of the distribution system to about 86% and made it more reliable as well.

--face= Bold; Keith Packhamface=-Bold; (keith.packham@cummins.com) is gas applications manager for Cummins Power Generation, Ramsgate, UK.