Combined cooling, heat and power (CCHP) or Trigeneration is a highly efficient energy system that simultaneously produces three types of energy: cooling, heating and electricity. It's an advanced form of CHP (combined heat and power) system, which typically only generates electricity and heat.

 

One form of surplus heat is that generated by CHP units. In winter their heat output is used for space heating. In summer this heat is surplus to requirements and so can be used to drive the absorption chiller. This is known as Trigeneration or combined cooling, heat and power (CCHP). When heat, which would normally be wasted, is used absorption chillers emit much less CO2 into the atmosphere than a vapour compression chiller for a given cooling effect. Research is currently underway which is investigating the linking of absorption chillers with solar panels as a source of generator heat. It is an advantage that the appearance of large amounts of cost and pollution free solar energy coincides with the need for cooling.

​

How CCHP Works:

1. Electricity Generation: A generator, usually powered by a gas turbine or an internal combustion engine, produces electricity.

2. Heating: The waste heat from the electricity generation process is recovered and used for space heating, water heating, or industrial processes.

3. Cooling: The system also integrates an absorption chiller or a similar cooling technology to produce cooling (air conditioning or refrigeration) from the waste heat, typically utilizing the heat to drive the cooling process instead of using electricity.

Benefits of CCHP:

1. Energy Efficiency: CCHP systems significantly increase energy efficiency, often achieving overall efficiencies of 70-90% compared to separate generation of electricity, heating, and cooling, which can be much less efficient.

2. Cost Savings: By utilizing waste heat to produce cooling and heating, energy costs can be reduced.

3. Environmental Benefits: Trigeneration systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional systems, as they maximize the use of fuel.

4. Versatility: Ideal for applications such as large commercial buildings, industrial facilities, hospitals, or district energy systems where simultaneous cooling, heating, and power are needed.

Applications:

• District Energy Systems: Large-scale urban areas or campuses with multiple buildings.

• Industrial and Manufacturing Facilities: Where large amounts of heat and cooling are required.

• Hospitals: Often require both heating and cooling, and trigeneration can provide both efficiently.

The integration of heating and cooling with power generation ensures a balanced and sustainable energy solution, particularly in regions with high cooling demand or where energy efficiency is a priority.