Combined Heating & Power Technology

CHP is the sequential production of two forms of useful energy — typically electricity and heat — from a single fuel source. CHP offers extraordinary benefits in terms of energy efficiency and emissions reductions by optimizing the use of heat that would otherwise be wasted when generating power. CHP systems can improve power quality, reliability, and overall energy security.

ORNL offers CHP feasibility screenings and technical assistance with CHP technologies.

Free Initial Screenings for CHP Feasibility

To request an estimate of CHP economics at your federal site:
• Download FEMP's data entry form.
• Fill in the requested information (requires only minimal input from facility managers).
• Be sure to indicate to whom the resulting analysis and report should be sent.
• Submit the form via email or fax.

This initial screening helps determine whether more detailed analysis for CHP potential at your facility is worth the effort. Analysis is recommended for facilities having significant thermal power needs and more than 1 MW of average electric demand.

RCIEE’s CHP experts support DOE as FEMP’s CHP Core Team, helping FEMP’s customers with the technology.

The ORNL CHP team’s expertise covers:

• CHP power generation technologies — turbines, internal combustion engines, microturbines, steam turbines, fuel cells
• CHP waste-heat-activated technologies — generation of hot water and steam, absorption cooling, desiccant dehumidification
• Feasibility issues — emissions, interconnection, cost and performance benchmarking

Example Screening Reports:
Gas Turbine option assessed
Internal Combustion Engine option assessed

The CHP team also offers the following technical assistance services to federal agencies and others:
• Detailed performance analysis of proposed systems based on TRNSYS
• CHP system application economic evaluations
• Utility service rate evaluations
• Initial feasibility screening using the Buildings Combined Heat and Power (BCHP) Screening Tool

CHP Publications:
• Assessment of CHP Potential at Federal Sites
— Market Assessment (17 pg)
— Market Assessment Executive Summary (2 pg)
— Market Assessment Analysis (60 pg)

• Report of Screening for CHP Potential at Federal Sites in California, New England & Texas (2001, 42 pg)


The Marine Corps saves $5.8 million annually with this
7.2-MW, dual-fuel cogen system. ORNL’s review of
project plans resulted in improvements in the system’s
efficiency.