Coadunation of Technologies: Cogeneration and Thermal Energy Storage

Abstract

Thermal energy storage can help cogeneration meet the energy generation challenges of the 21st century by increasing the flexibility and performance of cogeneration facilities. Thermal energy storage (TES) allows a cogeneration facility to: (1) provide dispatchable electric power while providing a constant thermal load, and (2) increase peak capacity by providing economical cooling of the combustion turbine inlet air. The particular systems that are considered in this paper are high-temperature diurnal TES, and TES for cooling the combustion turbine inlet air. The paper provides a complete assessment of the design, engineering, and economic benefits of combining TES technology with new or existing cogeneration systems, while also addressing some of the issues involved.