A Cogeneration Case Study Using the Interactive Energy Balance Program

ABSTRACT Cogeneration is a highly effective means of increasing energy efficiency and reducing energy costs by utilizing the heat that would normally be wasted and use some or all of it for the thermal requirements of a facility. This effective utilization of heat generated during electricity production allows for an increase of fuel efficiency from 35% to almost 85%. Cogeneration not only reduces energy costs and increases energy efficiency, but is also beneficial to the environment by reducing the amount of pollutants that are emitted into the atmosphere. In a previous work we presented and described the new Interactive Energy Balance (IEB) software. The package offers an easy way to account for energy bills, working equipment and their energy operating characteristics. Among the equipment considered are: lighting, air conditioning, refrigeration compressors, air compressors, motors, and others. The electric energy consumed by all pieces of equipment is balanced against the energy bills (last 12 months)...