Review of efficiencies of cogeneration units using internal combustion engines

Abstract

© 2016 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. The most frequently used technology in cogeneration units up to 10 MWe are internal combustion engines and the majority of the models are up to 500 kWe. There are dozens of reciprocating internal combustion engine-based cogeneration unit manufacturers and more than hundred suppliers in the market. In the article, data from supplier technical specifications of 583 units (34 manufacturers) is collected and analyzed. The authors proposed mathematical relations that show dependence of efficiencies on electric power that can be used for initial feasibility studies. Authors also have showed that value of 0.75 for power-to-heat ratio (proposed by EU Directive 2004/8/EC) does not always correspond to current market situation.