Generators and cogeneration
The generators are used as an emergency power supply in the absence of the power grid or voltage drops. These solutions are efficient if the heat generated is dissipated during operation.
Similarly, cogeneration systems, which simultaneously produce electricity and useful heat from a single fuel source, require technologies that maximise heat recovery to improve overall energy efficiency. In this context, devices such as plate heat exchangers become essential to optimise performance and reduce operating costs.
Heat exchangers in generator sets
In generators, plate heat exchangers are mainly used to cool the engine and lubricating oil. During operation, the generator motor generates a considerable amount of heat, which must be dissipated to avoid overheating and ensure continuous and efficient operation.
The plate heat exchanger allows heat to be transferred from the engine cooling circuit to water or another cooling fluid, which then releases it into the environment or an integrated heat recovery system.
Heat exchangers in cogeneration
Cogeneration, or combined heat and power (CHP) production, is a technology that generates electricity and recovers and manages the heat produced. This process is highly efficient, as it recovers heat that would normally be lost to the environment during electricity production.
Plate heat exchangers are essential in these systems to recover heat from the engine or turbine and transfer it to a working fluid, often glycol or water, which can be used for heating buildings, for industrial processes or for the production of domestic hot water.
The ability to optimise heat transfer with minimal energy loss makes plate heat exchangers particularly suitable for cogeneration systems, significantly improving the overall energy efficiency of the plant.
Cipriani PHE exchangers in generators and cogeneration
- The modularity that characterises Cipriani PHE plate heat exchangers applies well to these systems where the system generally organised in dedicated skids needs to insert the heat exchanger in contained spaces with very compact product solutions. In this regard, Cipriani PHE provides three-circuit configurations to recover heat at different temperature regimes.
- An additional advantage of Cipriani PHE plate heat exchangers is their ease of maintenance and cleaning thanks to the MYPHE web app to directly request the original spare parts made available within 24 hours. In this way, it is possible to ensure reliable emergency response times and costs in the event of a failure.