Measuring instruments for combined heat and power plants (CHP)

The selection of combined heat and power plants (CHP) is very large, as is the high variance of different plant types. The distinction is manufactured by the generated power/heat output on the one hand and by the energy source used on the other. For several CHP plants, a lot of physical parameters are measured, evaluated and monitored to ensure the longest possible service life. This article offers information regarding which measuring instruments and principles this could be achieved with.
Combined heat and power plants ? environment-friendly power generators
In contrast to the original boiler or condensing boiler, the CHP plant generates both electricity and heat. Thus, CHP plants make an important contribution to environment-friendly energy generation.
Wide range of applications
The versatile application possibilities, from single or multi-family dwellings, through industrial and commercial, public facilities, around large district/local heat utilities and also biogas plants, require the application of very different measuring instruments. Key factors are: functionality, quality, long service life, fast availability and services. The price/performance ratio plays a particular role in any system ? large or small.
The physical measurands
Small nano plants from 1 kWel, micro and mini plants from 2.5 to 15-50 kWel, and in addition large plants around 4,500 kWel need the right measuring instruments for high efficiency and environment-friendly energy generation. pressure gauge 10 bar , temperature and level are dominant. The energy source should be considered when selecting the instruments. The number of marking points in the schematic illustration of a CHP plant makes it clear: There is much to monitor to assure the longest possible service life.
Schematic illustration of a combined heat and power plant incl. measuring points
Monitoring and control tasks
The measuring instruments used fulfil important monitoring and control tasks and are generally electronic measuring instruments. They also enable remote monitoring.
For measuring the temperature, screw-in, insertion and contact probes are installed, matched to the design and the space available. On the heat exchanger, in the cooling and heating circuits and also for measuring the engine oil temperature, Pt100, Pt1000, KTY and NTC measuring elements are employed. With large plants, temperatures on the exhaust pipe and on the cylinder head are monitored using thermocouples. This allows conclusions to be made concerning the effectivity of the engine.
Pressure switches and pressure sensors are accustomed to control the oil pressure and the pressure in the cooling water circuit. At the same time, they also fulfil a safety function. If there are any deviations between the SET and ACTUAL value, with regards to the concept, the warning signal is triggered or the engine is powered down.
To monitor the oil level, with regards to the size of the machine, between one and three float switches are installed. Particularly in large engines, the sometimes quite strong vibrations pose challenging for the measurement technology. The usage of optoelectronic level switches that tolerate high temperatures and which are not harmed, even by strong shocks, is therefore ideal. The respective level switch monitors the oil level in a reservoir and signals once the oil level drops too low.
Conclusion
The large number of measuring points and the widely differing measuring tasks require close cooperation between the CHP plant manufacturer and the maker of the measurement technology. Therefore, it is worth ? digital pressure gauge and economically ? selecting a supplier who offers everything from one source.
Note
WIKA offers a large selection of reliable measuring instruments for pressure, temperature and level. You can find selected products for the CHP plant on the WIKA website in the Combined heat and power plants section. Do you need support with the compilation of one’s measuring instrument package for your CHP plant? Your contact person will be happy to assist you to.