As the US cracks down on coal fired power plants, utilities and consumers alike are looking for solutions that provide clean, reliable power. Increasingly catastrophic weather events and subsequent black outs have consumers looking for more resilient forms of power. Furthermore, the United States hopes to gain increased energy independence from foreign fuel sources as a part of the switch to cleaner fuel sources. GI Energy provides a multifaceted solution to the current state of affairs through the development of both combined heat and power (CHP) and ground source heat pumps (GSHP).
CHP utilizes a source fuel, such as natural gas or biodiesel, and a prime mover to simultaneously produce electricity and steam or hot water. CHP’s benefits include less emissions, backup power, and an efficient way to heat, cool, and power buildings. CHP works best in areas where electricity prices are greatest and there is an abundant pipeline of natural gas. GI Energy believes that CHP is best utilized in the coastal regions of the United States.
Figure 1. Simple Diagram of a CHP Plant.
GSHP uses the heat from the ground to provide heating and cooling to buildings. GSHP increases the efficiency of buildings and reduces the demand for electricity to power thermal equipment. GSHPs work best in areas where electricity prices are low, since they rely on a small amount of electricity to function, thus making the middle of the country a prime candidate.
GI Energy
Figure 1. Simple Diagram of a GSHP System.
GI Energy believes their technologies can help reduce dependency on coal while still providing reliable, efficient energy across the United States.
