Design and analysis of a natural gas fuel cogeneration system: Aksaray University case

In this study, in order to use the energy efficiency of Aksaray University at a high level, the economic analysis of the cogeneration system was made according to the energy needs of the university. Increasing population in the world, technological advances and people's desire to live in modern conditions naturally increase. For this reason, the amount of consumption in energy resources such as oil, natural gas and coal, which has increased rapidly in recent years, will cause energy crises now and in the future. At the same time, while the world is trying to heal the wounds of the Covid-19 epidemic, different energy searches will emerge. With this development, the energy crisis in the world will become a crisis in 2022 and the following years. For this reason, while the search for new resources continues, existing resources should be used economically, efficiently, with maximum recovery and energy consumption saving. One of the most suitable processes for these pursuits is cogeneration systems. A Cogeneration or Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system is a highly efficient system that simultaneously produces both electricity and usable heat. The cogeneration system provides high energy efficiency, energy savings and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The main feature of cogeneration systems is generally generating electricity and useful heat through a single process of energy source consumption. With the cogeneration system, electricity is produced at the point of consumption. This means that the supply is not subject to failures and losses associated with transportation and distribution. At the same time, distribution and maintenance costs are eliminated. Less damage to the environment as a result of the use of cogeneration systems to reduce energy consumption and to use cleaner fuels is one of the features that can be considered advantageous in terms of the feasibility of cogeneration systems. As a result of this test study, which was carried out in the light of the listed features, information obtained from the literature, calculations and researches, cogeneration application has proven to be an advantageous system. According to the analysis results of the system, it has been calculated that the university can amortize its investment cost in a short period of approximately 2.85 years as a result of annual depreciation