Thinking about harnessing the power of cogeneration for your property? Smart move! This energy solution can slash your energy costs and up your building’s efficiency rates by 90%. But hold on—it's not a one-size-fits-all fix. We have to make sure it’s the best fit for your business. Check out our comprehensive checklist to see if your building is a prime candidate for cogeneration.
Building Characteristics
First things first: size is crucial when it comes to cogeneration. Typically, skilled nursing facilities, manufacturing plants, and large multi-family dwellings are prime candidates. Why? Because energy-intensive buildings often have consistent energy demands that make cogeneration economically viable.
- Do you own a manufacturing plant, skilled nursing facility, large multi-family dwelling, or other energy-intensive building?
- Is your HVAC equipment old and in need of repair? You can convert your aging HVAC system into a cogeneration unit that reduces energy waste.
- Does your property have heavy power demands? For example, an industrial facility or data center requires more electrical capacity than the average commercial building.
Energy Usage Patterns
Speaking of consistent demand, that's our next big factor. Does your building have high electrical and heating usage during long operating hours? If you're nodding your head, you're on the right track. Cogeneration systems thrive on steady, predictable energy needs. Think: power-hungry equipment like welding machines or other heavy-duty machining tools. An apartment building that uses over 16 hours of electricity a day also creates pretty consistent demand.
- Does your building have high electrical and heating usage?
Thermal Load
A significant and consistent demand for heat and cooling throughout the year is another green flag for cogeneration. If your building has a communal heating system (that means hot water, too!), that's a plus. Integrating a cogeneration system into the boiler system for hot water offers the added benefit of reducing natural gas consumption during the boiler process, resulting in lower thermal and electricity costs!
- Is there a significant and consistent demand for heat throughout the year?
- Do you require cooling as well as heating?
Existing Infrastructure
Let's talk about your building's space. You'll need room to comfortably host a cogeneration unit. That room will vary depending on the size and capacity of the system; however, an average 50-100kW system requires at least 200 square feet of space.
- Do you have available space in the basement or mechanical room with a natural gas line you can connect to for cogeneration equipment?
Energy Consumption and Costs
Have you already taken steps to reduce your energy consumption? Are your current electricity and natural gas rates high? These factors can make cogeneration more attractive. You'll also want to look at your building's electrical load profile. A consistent base load is what you're after (which is the minimum amount of electric power delivered over a period of time at a steady rate).
- Are you currently reducing your electric, natural gas, and heat energy consumption?
- Are your current electricity rates high, making on-site generation potentially more cost-effective?
- Have you obtained your building's electrical load profile from your utility provider?
Financial Considerations
Without a third-party provider like Catalyst Power, there will be considerable capital expenditure involved with securing a cogeneration system. But by partnering with Catalyst Power, we eliminate all the hurdles to power generation assets since we own, install, and operate the unit for you, and at no cost to you under an Energy Service Agreement.
Regulatory Environment
Don't forget to check local building codes and regulations regarding on-site power generation. At Catalyst Power, our Energy Experts can help identify the requirements for you.
- Are you aware of any local building codes and regulations that might affect your business?
Take the Next Step
If you've answered "yes" to most of these questions, your building could be a good candidate for cogeneration. The next step would be to get a free consultation from Catalyst Power to determine your building’s eligibility. Catalyst Power provides an accurate assessment of potential cost savings and system sizing based on your specific energy needs and usage patterns. Cogeneration can offer significant benefits, and it's a long-term investment that offers a nice return in cost savings. A properly sized and maintained cogeneration system can provide efficient, cost-effective energy for decades, making it a valuable asset for your business.
