Oct. 4, 2013: New Guide Highlights CHP’s Role in Enhancing Reliability in Buildings
Practical Information on What Factors Must Be Considered When Configuring a CHP System
WASHINGTON — During and after Hurricane Sandy, combined heat and power (CHP) systems enabled a number of critical infrastructure and other facilities to continue operating when the electric grid went down. A new guide developed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides practical information on what factors must be considered when configuring a CHP system to operate independently of the grid and what steps are typically involved in CHP project development.
The “Guide to Using Combined Heat and Power for Enhancing Reliability and Resiliency in Buildings” is intended to assist state and local officials and others involved in the rebuilding process. The guide also responds to a rebuilding strategy report released last month by the Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task Force to serve as a model for communities across the nation facing high risk from extreme weather and to continue helping the Sandy-affected region rebuild. CHP was featured as part of the report’s recommendations.