Ways of Cogeneration

Two basic operation cycles are used to generate electricity and heat: (1) a bottoming cycle or
(2) a topping cycle:

Bottoming Cycle: In this cycle, the generation of heat is given the priority to supply process
heat to the facility. Thermal energy is produced directly from fuel combustion (in the prime
mover). Heat is then recovered and fed to the generator to produce electricity. Industrial
plants characterized by high-temperature heat requirements (such as steel, aluminium, glass,
and paper industries) use typically bottoming cycle cogeneration system.

Topping Cycle: Unlike the bottoming cycle, the generation of electricity takes precedence
over the production of heat. The waste heat is then recovered and converted to either steam or
hot water. Most existing cogeneration systems are based on topping cycles. A hybrid of a
topping cycle commonly used by several industrial facilities and even by electrical utilities is
the combined cycle as depicted. In this cycle, a gas turbine is typically used to produce
electricity. The exhaust gas is then fed to a heat recovery steam generator to generate more
electricity—using a steam turbine. For a cogeneration plant, a small portion of steam can be
converted into a useful form of thermal energy.