Cogeneration and Emergency Generation in Health Care Facilities

ABSTRACT

Hospitals and other health care facilities with full-time patients and residents have the opportunity to benefit from the installation of cogeneration systems.

Unlike other residences, which often have weekday energy peaks as people return from work, health care facilities tend to have a relatively level demand for electricity. Operation of a cogeneration system in such an environment is likely to be both efficient and practical. Also, governmental subsidies can offset a portion of the initial costs and decrease the project's payback period.

Cogeneration systems cannot generally be used for emergency generation in light of the typical start up time requirements. However, they can be used in conjunction with emergency generators provide enhanced reliability.

Cogeneration can also help smooth out the unintended “voltage sags” and instantaneous grid outages that can occur unexpectedly. These undesirable conditions can trip medical diagnostic equipment and cost the hospital or health care facility delays and loss of revenue. If interconnected to the electrical grid, cogeneration systems have the capability to sell excess energy or capacity.

Cogeneration can usually be readily installed on-site because typical units have a modest footprint. The systems do not produce much noise and may be placed in an insulated enclosure if desired. The operation and maintenance of a cogeneration system can be partially or wholly contracted out, if warranted.

Cogeneration, with the ability to save money, provide thermal energy and electricity and enhance emergency capabilities should be an attractive option for many health care facilities.