Types:
- CHP (“Combined Heat & Power” – also called “Cogeneration”)
- Solar
- Geothermal – Ground-Source Heat Pump
CHP (“Combined Heat & Power” or “Cogeneration”)
CHP is an clean and renewable energy technology that uses a single fuel source to simultaneously generate both electricity and heat. It is a mature technology that was invented over 100 years ago by Thomas Edison, when he built the first CHP system at Pearl Station in lower Manhattan, New York
An AI Renewable CHP system offers these key benefits:
- NO Capital Investment from the Customer
- Stable, efficient energy – producing both electricity & heat from a single heat source
- A 10 – 20% saving on the current electricity bill
- Reliable on-site CHP power – ensures seamless transition and dependable power during outages
- Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
CHP Is A Mature Technology – Invented in 1882 by Thomas Edison
CHP systems are well-suited for, and used extensively in condominiums, hospitals, greenhouses, universities and a variety of government and manufacturing facilities, often using internal combustion engines, typically fueled by natural gas.
CHP Basic Diagram
As can be seen in the diagram above, the natural gas-powered engine drives a generator that creates electricity. The heat created from the process (that would otherwise be wasted) is used to provide useful thermal energy—such as steam or hot water. This can be used to provide space heating/cooling, domestic hot water and other industrial processes.
Traditional power generation systems operate at an energy efficiency of 40 to 45%. A CHP can boost the energy efficiency to as high as 90%. On-site power generation reduces electricity transmission and distribution losses (line loss), using less fuel and thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. It is one of the most energy-efficient methods of power generation.
Solar
Solar generation is a renewable energy source fuelled by the sun. Large panels, (solar cells) made of crystalline silicon, collect sunlight and convert it directly into electricity. Solar power generation is reliant on the weather, time of year and time of day. Solar panels reach their peak performance in the summer months. They benefit homeowners, farmers, manufacturing facilities and community groups including large-scale operations which can be connected to the transmission grid.
What is Net Metering?
Net metering is where you produce electricity from solar panels throughout the day and use most of it but the rest goes to your local utility. This excess electricity gets banked as credits.
Net Metering programs are available to electricity customers who generate electricity primarily for their own use from a renewable energy source (wind, water, solar radiation or agricultural biomass).
Net metering allows industrial facilities to send electricity generated from renewable energy sources to the utility distribution system for a credit towards electricity costs. Excess generation credits can generally be carried forward for a consecutive 12-month period to offset future electricity costs. Net-metered customers can also pair energy storage with renewable energy systems.
In Ontario, Net Metering Assets located “Behind-the-Meter” may be eligible for reimbursement of a significant portion of project costs under various federal or provincial government incentive programs. Abundant has extensive experience in applying for and securing incentives.
Geothermal Heat Pump
A ground-source heat pump uses the earth, ground water or steam as a source of heat in the winter and as a place to “sink” heat into, in the summer – for cooling. This thermal energy is contained in the rock and fluids beneath Earth’s crust. Water and/or steam carry the heat to the surface, where the heat pump raises the temperature and transfers it to the indoor air. In the summer, the process is reversed and the hot air from inside is pumped down into the ground to help cool the air.
Why Geothermal?
It is Renewable — With proper management, the rate of energy extraction can be balanced with a reservoir’s natural heat recharge rate.
It is Reliable — Geothermal power plants produce electricity consistently, running 24 hours per day / 7 days per week, regardless of weather conditions. It also has the ability to produce more electricity over the same time period than coal, natural gas, nuclear or large hydro stations.
It has a Small Footprint—Geothermal power plants are compact; using less land per GWh than coal, wind, or solar PV with center station.
It is Clean — Modern closed-loop geothermal power plants emit no greenhouse gasses. Geothermal power plants consume less water on average over the lifetime energy output than the most conventional generation technologies.
It is Versatile – Geothermal power facilities produce useful by-product heat that can be integrated with greenhouses, fish farms, and food processing; you can also directly drill for heat. (Source: Enbridge – Energy Matters)
