J.S. Katsanis, P.T. Tsarabaris, G.N. Malahias, and P.D. Bourkas (Greece)
Cogeneration, Electricity, Thermal energy, Hospital, Energy Saving.
The mechanical energy produced can also be used to drive auxiliary equipment such as compressors and pumps. Regarding the thermal energy produced, it can be used either for heating or for cooling. Cooling is effected by an absorption unit, which can operate through hot water, steam or hot gases. During the operation of a conventional power plant, large quantities of heat are rejected in the atmosphere either through the cooling circuits (steam condensers, cooling towers etc.) or with the exhaust gases. Most of this heat can be recovered and used to cover thermal needs, thus increasing the efficiency from 30-50% of a power plant, to 80-90% of a cogeneration system [3]. A comparison between cogeneration and the separate production of electricity and heat from the point of view of efficiency is given in Figure 1 [3] based on typical values of efficiencies. In the present article the authors make an effort to explain why hospitals are prime candidates for CHP systems. Furthermore based to the fact that CHP is a proven technology, are referring analytically to the benefits of cogeneration in the health care facilities giving also a case study.
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