Previous Issues

Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Kuwait, P.O. Box: 5969, Safat, 13060, Kuwait

ABSTRACT

The harsh climatic conditions in Kuwait bring the electric consumption of air conditioning machines to more than 70% of the total power consumption. It also induces an uneven electrical daily pattern with a sharp peak that lasts only for a few hours. This pattern puts heavy strains on the authorities in order to meet an annual increase of 200 MW installed-power demand. Beside the high investment involved, inefficient energy utilization results from part-load operation most of the time.

            The present study introduces the concept of a cogeneration plant, producing both electric power and process heat to operate absorption cooling machines for air conditioning. This concept offers better utilization of fuel and equipment than a single-purpose power plant which produces electricity to operate conventional air conditioning machines. It also improves the load distribution pattern in the country by eliminating the peak due to air conditioning. The study compares the capital and operating (mostly fuel) costs of a single-purpose power plant and the suggested cogeneration plant. It shows the superiority of the cogeneration plant in saving both capital and operating costs.