COGEN3: A Computer System for Design, Costing and Economic Optimization of Cogeneration Projects

COGEN3 is computer software that combines the capabilities for: conceptual engineering design, costing, economic optimization, and financial evaluation of cogeneration projects. COGEN3 considers the problems of equipment selection, fuel selection, equipment operation, and purchase or generation of electricity. It solves for the plant design and operating schedule that will supply steam and electricity requirements at lowest cost. It then performs selected financial analyses on the final design. COGEN3 can be applied to the analysis of either industrial, commercial, or residential cogeneration applications. The program is now operational at several electric utilities as part of a demonstration effort sponsored by the Electric Power Research Institute. This paper provides an overview of the COGEN3 system and highlights of some of the applications to date