Cogeneration

Techno System designs and manufactures plate heat exchangers for combined heat and power (CHP) plants in Italy, supporting plant builders, energy service companies and multi-utilities. The exchangers recover heat from engine cooling circuits and transfer it to a heat user while keeping the fluids separate.

Heat recovery from HT and LT circuits

Selection considers the engine layout and the conditions of the high-temperature (HT) and low-temperature (LT) circuits. For jacket-water heat recovery, temperatures, flow rates and pressure drops permitted by the engine manufacturer are assessed together with the heat user's requirements.

The range includes plates for projects with a logarithmic mean temperature difference (LMTD) as low as 1 °C. This capability must be checked for the individual design: it does not apply automatically to every flow rate, fluid or operating condition.

Heat exchanger selection and integration

Corrugated plate heat exchangers are selected according to duty, temperatures, fluid properties and hydraulic constraints. For glycol mixtures, specify the type and concentration. Plate materials, gaskets and connections must be checked against the fluids and operating conditions.

A heat recovery project also requires assessment of the simultaneous availability of heat and demand. Part loads, start-ups, return temperatures and controls influence integration and the energy that can actually be used.

Required data and maintenance

Provide data for the engine and user circuits: fluids, inlet and outlet temperatures, flow rates or duties, pressures and available pressure drops. Include part-load conditions, operating hours, space constraints and required connections.

Techno System technical services include calculations, design and installation support. Selection considers accessibility, performance monitoring, cleaning and spare parts so maintenance can be organised according to the model's instructions.

Frequently asked questions

Which circuit provides recoverable heat?
The solution is defined around the engine layout, starting with its cooling circuits and the HT and LT conditions actually available.

Can the exchanger work with small temperature differences?
Yes, subject to checking the required heat transfer area, flow rates and pressure drops. LMTD is calculated from the temperatures of both circuits.

How much heat can be used?
This depends on available duty, temperatures and simultaneous demand. The plant's operating profile must be assessed.

Which data are needed for selection?
The engine datasheet and thermal and hydraulic data for both sides, including fluids, pressure limits and part-load conditions.

Request a technical assessment for your CHP plant.