The design, construction and operation of heat/power/refrigeration co-generation plants

Heat/power co-generation plants offer a series of energy and ecological advantages, particularly when optimized gas-engine or gas-turbine-based unit-type co-generation plants are installed. Systems of this type have also proven their capabilities for supply of administrative buildings, hospitals, production facilities and similar premises. There is also the option, where refrigeration is required in addition to power and heat for air-conditioning or production process purposes, of utilizing the surplus heat from unit-type co-generation plants for the generation of refrigeration using absorption-type refrigeration sets. Such integration of power/heat/refrigeration can significantly increase the operating times for a co-generation plant and thus spread rational energy utilization across an entire year. This article discusses aspects of the design, construction and operation of such integrated systems, with particular attention being devoted to absorption-type refrigeration equipment.