We're always looking to improve our environmental practices and our efficiency. Today, we received the latest piece to our environmental puzzle - our brand new heat and power cogeneration unit! Learn more about it by reading our interview with Harpoon engineer - Brian!
Q: What is it?
A: Combined Heat and Power Cogeneration unit.
Q: What does it do?
A: Burns natural gas (NG) in a converted engine which powers an electrical generator. The coolant or antifreeze used to cool the engine is routed through an additional heat exchanger to cool the exhaust gas and this heated coolant is pumped through another process heat exchanger were the heat is transferred to our hot process water for the brewery.
This allows for over 90% efficiency in converting the energy available in the natural gas to useful energy. To put it into perspective our boiler that we currently make hot water is less than 80% efficient. Power generated at a main power station and transferred to the brewery for use is only about 60% efficient so if you multiple these together the energy efficiency is less than 50%.
Q: How will it affect the energy we use at the brewery?
A: The unit will provide on average 70% of the brewery’s electrical power needs and 90% of the hot water needs.
So there you have it folks!
Love Beer. Love the Environment. Harpoon.
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