Energy Production

Cogeneration at a Water Treatment Facility.

Cogeneration (combined heat and power) is the simultaneous production of electricity and heat, both of which are used. The central and most fundamental principle of cogeneration is that, in order to maximize the many benefits that arise from it, systems should be based according to the heat demand of the application. Through the utilization of the heat, the efficiency of the cogeneration plant can reach 90% more.

Cogeneration offers energy savings ranging between 15-40% when compared against the supply of electricity and heat from conventional power stations.

Cogeneration optimizes the energy supply to all types of consumers with the following benefits to both users and society at large:

• Increased efficiency of energy conversion and use. Cogeneration is the most effective and efficient form of power generation.
• Lower emissions to the environment, in particular of CO2, the main greenhouse gas.
• Large cost savings, providing additional competiveness for industrial and commercial users and offering affordable heat for domestic users.
• An opportunity to move towards more decentralized forms of electricity generation, where plant is designed to meet the needs of local consumers, providing high efficiency, avoiding transmission losses and increasing flexibility in system use.
• Improved local and general security of supply—local generation, through cogeneration, can reduce the risk that consumers are left without supplies of electricity and/or heating.
• An opportunity to increase the diversity of generation plant, and provide competition in generation. Cogeneration provides one of the most important vehicles for promoting liberalization in energy markets.

Our Co-Gen Process

1.     Primary Clarification Tanks

Settle and collect most of the incoming solid waste. Skim off and collect the fats, oils and grease in the wastewater.

2.     Anaerobic Digesters

Use micro-organism to convert organic waste to biogas, a gas (primarily methane and carbon dioxide) that can be used as fuel. Stabilize remaining solids for use as fertilizer.

3.     Biogas Storage Tanks

Store continuously produced biogas for use when electricity costs are highest.

4.     Biogas Dryer

Removes water in the biogas prior to use as fuel for the generators

Siloxane Treatment Vessels

Process removes chemicals that will harm the engine.

5.     Engine Generators

Use biogas as fuel to produce up to three megawatts of electricity.

6.     Electric Grid

Electricity produced powers the plants. Any excess is sold back to the electric company, ComEd.