Power Generation
A number of distributed generation technologies are commercially available in a wide range of sizes, making CHP a technology that can be integrated into many commercial and industrial settings. Today, many modular or packaged CHP systems (a.k.a. Integrated Energy Systems) are available. These systems simplify specification and site engineering, potentially reducing the time and cost of implementing CHP systems.

In Gulf Coast states, Boiler/Steam turbine power generation technology for CHP has been mostly used, although there is a recent shift towards other technologies like combustion turbines, and combined cycles. At the bottom of this page is a summary of CHP power generating technologies.

Select one of the prime movers below for additional information:

• Fuel Cells
• Gas Turbines
• Reciprocating Engines
• Steam Turbines
• Stirling Engines

Prime Mover	Advantages	Disadvantages	Capacity
Steam Turbine	High overall efficiency, and fuel flexibility Ability to meet more than one site heat grade requirement Long working life and high reliability Power to heat ratio can be varied	Slow start-up Low power to heat ratio	50 - 500 MW
Gas Turbine	High reliability Low emissions High grade heat available No cooling required	Require high pressure gas of in-house gas compressor Poor efficiency at low loading Output falls as Tamb rises	500 kW - 250 MW
Micro-turbine	Small number of moving parts Compact size and light weight Low emissions No cooling required	High costs Relatively low mechanical efficiency Limited to lower temperature cogeneration applications	30 kW - 350 kW
Reciprocating Engine (SI)	High power efficiency with part-loading flexibility Fast start-up Relatively low investment cost Can be used in island mode and have good load following capability	High maintenance costs Limited to lower temperature cogeneration applications Relatively high air emissions Must be cooled even if recovered heat not used	< 5 MW
Reciprocating Engine (CI)	Can be overhauled on site with normal operators Operate on low-pressure gas	High levels of low frequency noise	High speed (1,200 RPM) < 4 MW Low speed (60-275 RPM) < 65 MW
Fuel Cells	Low emissions and low noise High efficiency over load range Modular design	High costs Low durability and power density Reforming required unless H2 used	200 kW - 250 kW