Combined heat and power plants (CHP) are used for the central production of and supply with power and heat. These plants are used in agriculture, in communes, in the management of residential buildings by medium-sized commercial and industrial companies, as well as by municipal utility companies and large energy suppliers.
The conditions for operating a CHP system are better now than ever before. For one thing, low oil and gas prices as well as state subsidies make the investment worthwhile. Apart from this, the increased electricity requirement of a growing world economy must be covered.
In order for a cogeneration plant to be operated economically, certain basic standards must be ensured by the targeted application of suitable measurement technology.
Monitoring emission limit values
Checking and inspecting engine efficiency
Correctly configuring the relations between ignition timing, excess air etc. of the engine
Testing of exhaust gas treatment systems
Good for the climate. And for the balance sheet.
Reducing emissions and energy costs
Combined heat and power plants are usually modified and enlarged engines from automotive engineering which draw in a combustion gas (e.g. landfill gas, biogas or liquid gas), mix it with air, compress it and burn it. During this process, air surplus, fuel pressure, engine setting and ambient temperature or humidity can have a significant effect on the emissions. These effects must be taken into account when optimizing or adjusting the engine, in order to achieve a maximum efficiency of the process as well as a minimum emission level.
If the adjustment is carried out using an imprecise measuring instrument, it can have negative consequences:
Misfiring
Mechanical knocking
Increased temperature in the engine components and operating materials
Increased wear
Higher maintenance and repair costs
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