Previously, the CHP R&D project portfolio tested, validated, and deployed innovative CHP systems for industry and other manufacturing applications. Past projects focused on advanced reciprocating engine systems (ARES), packaged CHP systems, high-value applications, fuel-flexible CHP, and demonstrations of these technologies. Research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Argonne National Laboratory provided early stage development of technologies designed to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
ADVANCED RECIPROCATING ENGINE SYSTEMS (ARES)
An advanced natural gas engine/generator system can increase brake thermal efficiency, reduce NOx emissions, and decrease maintenance costs, while maintaining cost competitiveness. The ARES program was designed to promote separate but parallel engine development among the major stationary, gaseous fueled engine manufacturers in the United States.
PACKAGED CHP SYSTEMS
The development of packaged CHP systems suitable for smaller industrial facilities can enable users to avoid complicated and costly system integration and installation but still maximize performance and increase efficiency.
- Combined Heat and Power Integrated with Burners for Packaged Boilers
- Flexible CHP System with Low NOx, CO and VOC Emissions
- High Efficiency Microturbine with Integral Heat Recovery
- Low-Cost Packaged Combined Heat and Power System with Reduced Emissions
HIGH-VALUE APPLICATIONS
New high-value CHP technologies and applications can offer attractive end-user economics, significant energy savings, and with reproducible results.
- Flexible Distributed Energy and Water from Waste for the Food and Beverage Industry
- Microchannel High-Temperature Recuperator for Fuel Cell Systems*
- Novel Controls for Economic Dispatch of Combined Cooling, Heating and Power (CHP) Systems*
- Residential Multi-Function Gas Heat Pump
- Ultra Efficient Combined Heat, Hydrogen, and Power System
FUEL-FLEXIBLE CHP
Accelerating market adoption of emerging technology and fuel options can improve industry competitiveness through more stable energy prices, cost savings, and decreased emissions. Examples of these technology and fuel options include biomass gasifiers, gas turbines utilizing opportunity fuels, landfill gas cleanup and removal systems, and desulfurization sorbents for fuel cell CHP.
- Adapting On-site Electrical Generation Platforms for Producer Gas
- Development of an Advanced Combined Heat and Power (CHP) System Utilizing Off-Gas from Coke Calcination
- Development of Fuel-Flexible Combustion Systems Utilizing Opportunity Fuels in Gas Turbines*
- Integrated Combined Heat and Power/Advanced Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine System for Landfill Gas to Power Applications
- Low-NOx Gas Turbine Injectors Utilizing Hydrogen-Rich Opportunity Fuels
- Novel Sorbent to Clean Biogas for Fuel Cell Combined Heat and Power
CHP R&D at National Laboratories
The U.S. DOE’s CHP R&D Program has supported research at the national laboratories to improve the efficiency and viability of CHP systems. Between 2014 and 2018, these research activities were led by Argonne National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
DEMONSTRATIONS
The installation of innovative technologies and applications that offer the greatest potential for replication can provide compelling data and information to foster market uptake in manufacturing and other applications.
- ArcelorMittal USA Blast Furnace Gas Flare Capture*
- Biomass Boiler for Food Processing Applications
- BroadRock Renewables Combined Cycle Electric Generating Plants Fueled by Waste Landfill Gas*
- CHP System at Food Processing Plant in Connecticut Increases Reliability and Reduces Emissions
- Texas A&M University CHP System*
- Thermal Energy Corporation Combined Heat and Power Project*
*(Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009)
View our waste energy recovery projects.