Introduction
Coal, gas, biomass and nuclear electricity generation are all effective
at producing electricity, but they are inefficient processes. Of the thermal
energy produced, at best only about 40% is converted to electric power.
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Because the power station is usually remote from any centre of population,
the very considerable quantity of waste heat created cannot generally be
put to any useful purpose, and is dissipated to the atmosphere by the cooling towers
adjacent to the plant.
There are then further losses in the electrical distribution network.
At a time of dwindling fuel supplies and concern over CO2
emissions this is a very unsatisfactory state of affairs.
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A combined heat and power (CHP) plant addresses these concerns by
being built at a location where there is a need for both electricity
and heat. There are therefore no electrical transmission losses and the
heat can be carried to where it is needed (e.g. for space and water heating)
as hot water or steam in short well insulated pipes, again with little loss.
There is therefore close to 100% utilisation of fuel.
Such a scheme is in operation in Leeds, where a gas-fired power station
provides efficient heating and electricity for large parts of the University
and the General Infirmary.
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The terraced houses of Wharfedale are well suited to this kind of arrangement,
with a generator adjacent to the terrace providing electricity, and supplying
heat via pipes running through the cellars. This could run on gas, biodiesel
or, with somewhat greater complication, biomass.
Domestic gas-fired CHP devices are now also becoming available,
which function in some respects like a central heating boiler,
but generate electricity too.
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A Special Interest Team could evaluate the potential for CHP in
this area and look at ways to make it happen.
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