Cogeneration System Design | ME Interview | Skill-Lync Resources
Hard Thermodynamics Energy Systems

How would you design a cogeneration system for an industrial facility requiring both process steam and electricity?

Answer

Cogeneration system design requires analyzing thermal and electrical load profiles to determine the prime mover type. For steam-intensive loads, a backpressure turbine extracts steam at required pressure while generating power. For power-heavy loads, a gas turbine with HRSG provides flexibility. Key considerations include heat-to-power ratio matching, load following strategy (thermal or electrical), steam pressure/temperature requirements, and grid interconnection. Economic analysis should compare fuel savings against capital costs. Overall system efficiency of 70-85% is achievable versus 35-40% for separate generation.

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