In-depth interpretation of the prospect of small-scale decentralized cogeneration technology

Decentralized power generation technology refers to the small-sized (generally less than 10MW) modular power generation technology installed at the customer end. The energy used is mainly natural gas, renewable energy, and fuel cells. Its environmental protection (high efficiency, avoiding power grid construction caused by long-distance transmission, energy loss and cost of occupying land resources), reliability of power supply, and design and installation convenience and economy brought about by modular design make it a preparation Focused technology. Decentralized power generation technology refers to the small-sized (generally less than 10MW) modular power generation technology installed at the customer end. The energy used is mainly natural gas, renewable energy, and fuel cells. Its environmental protection (high efficiency, avoiding power grid construction caused by long-distance transmission, energy loss and cost of occupying land resources), reliability of power supply, and design and installation convenience and economy brought about by modular design make it a preparation Focused technology. In recent years, the whole society has paid more and more attention to environmental issues. The social costs caused by the long-neglected large-scale power grids have also begun to attract attention. After September 11, people began to think about the supply security of the big power grid. Decentralized power, as a highly efficient (up to 80% or even 90% efficiency), clean and reliable power generation, has rapidly increased its position. Decentralized power is the most widely used and has the brightest prospects, and it should be the first to promote cogeneration technology.

Smaller cogeneration uses a single fuel, which is more commonly used in natural gas. In developed countries, there are also many uses of biomass and garbage as fuel. In the future, with the development of science and technology, there may be a transition to cleaner fuel cell and solar cell technologies. However, gas turbines should be the mainstay at present.

For residential, commercial buildings, hospitals, public buildings, factories, etc., in most parts of China, there are power supply and heating or cooling needs, many of which are equipped with standby power generation equipment. These are broad markets for small-scale cogeneration technologies. The West-to-East Gas Pipeline project has made natural gas the right day for many cities. For old heating systems, backup power systems, new buildings, factories, etc., it is the opportunity to start using clean and efficient small-scale cogeneration technologies for small gas turbines. For manufacturers of such equipment, it is undoubtedly an excellent opportunity.

The following provides an analysis of the development potential of small-scale cogeneration in European countries for reference by Chinese counterparts.

1. Denmark and Finland Since the large heating networks in these two countries are already well-established and the pipe network is almost connected to all types and sizes of buildings, the space for the development of small-scale cogeneration is limited.

2. Due to the lack of large-scale heating pipe networks in Italy, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, the potential for small-scale heat and power cogeneration is high.

3. The German government is taking steps to encourage the development of small-scale cogeneration systems, especially in its eastern region.

4. Greece, Portugal, and Belgium have little potential for the development of small-scale cogeneration due to the climate. However, due to the introduction of natural gas pipeline networks in Greece and Portugal in early 1997, the proportion of thermal power will increase, including small-scale thermoelectric systems for commercial buildings.

5. Spain has made considerable efforts in the development of cogeneration of heat, electricity and cooling, and has great potential for development.

6. The proportion of nuclear power in France is high, and the development potential of CHP is relatively small

7. Luxembourg promotes combined heat and power combined heating systems within the EU SAVE framework. All public buildings with a diameter of 250 meters and a heating capacity of 300-9500 KW are considered.

Some occasions where small-scale cogeneration systems can be used include:

1. High-rise residential buildings. It is estimated that the UK can save 9 million pounds of energy per year in this respect.

2. Commercial buildings. This part of the application is subject to certain restrictions, mainly because they are not used at night.

3. Hotel. The hotel is a large energy consumer, so it is a very large potential market. However, due to the transformation of the original heating system, the main market focuses on new construction.

4. Recreational facilities (such as swimming pools, etc.). Their demand is relatively stable and suitable for small-scale cogeneration systems.

5. Health facilities. The need for smooth electricity and heat supply is a very good market.

Due to the strong regional nature of small-scale cogeneration, there are few large trans-regional companies in Europe. The largest company at present is the Dutch company NEDALO BV. It has installed more than 1,000 small thermoelectric devices throughout Europe and produces 350 units annually.

The small-scale efficient cogeneration technology is relatively mature, but the technology still needs further improvement. For small-scale thermal power units for modular buildings, what remains to be done are:

1. Improve gas turbine emission indicators (especially NOx and CH4)

2. Further improve energy efficiency

3. Develop cogeneration system using biomass and other renewable energy sources as fuel

Areas that need to encourage technological development include:

1.Using high-efficiency gas turbine technology to develop small home (mini) CHP.

2. Develop a thermoelectric cold combined system.

3. Fuel cell cogeneration system.

4. Small Stirling gas turbine units.