ABSTRACT
Cogeneration (also known as combined heat and power, mostly outside the USA) describes fossil-fired power plants that generate multiple product streams, usually thermal energy and electricity. Cogeneration is vital to a sustainable environment by enabling the maximum utilization of the chemical energy in the fossil fuel, which in this case is natural gas. This chapter utilizes the second law of thermodynamics to establish the rational evaluation criteria of cogeneration power plant performance and correct misconceptions and pitfalls in generally accepted terminology in that regard. Key principles and frequently ignored intricacies of proper division of heat and power products in a modern combined cycle power plant are illustrated with numerical examples.
