Distributed Cogeneration vs. Centralized Generation: A Technical Comparison

Abstract

ABSTRACT Three distributed cogeneration (DG) and three centralized electricity technologies were compared for fuel use, private costs and externality costs from CO2, SO2 and NOX emissions. This generalized feasibility comparison investigated the benefits of Cogen/DG over a range of heat to power ratios (HPR). IC engines are found to be both economical and environmentally friendly. Micro-turbines are even better. Therefore, Cogen/DG provides economic, fuel use, and emissions savings in applications with well matched and consistent demands for electricity and heat.