Heating and Cooling Energy

A steam turbine power plant uses high-pressure steam produced in a boiler from burning fossil fuels or product waste to generate electricity. The low-pressure steam output can be for heating. When excessive exhaust occurs, the supply system would need to supply more outside air than the minimum required for proper ventilation, resulting in more heating and cooling energy. A cogeneration system may use different fuels including natural gas, residual fuel oil, heating oil, diesel fuel and gasoline. Alternate fuel sources also include coal liquids or wood gas. The growth of energy control systems spiked during the energy crisis of the 1970s, when the rising prices of imported oil triggered restricted energy use and led to more efficient energy management and control techniques. A cogeneration unit may fall under the provisions of one or more environmental and regulatory acts that cover power generation and industrial installations.