This research evaluates the extent to which university campuses can curb carbon dioxide emissions by effectively using combined heat and power (CHP) to meet electricity and thermal demands. Three approaches were taken to evaluate this question. An evaluation of existing CHP plant efficiencies on university campuses shows major inconsistencies in performance-variation which is attributed both to differing approaches to operation and to failures in correct data reporting (a systemic issue that ultimately mars the implementation of economic and policy drivers for CHP implementation). Further analysis reveals significant efficiency gains are achievable through the incorporation of intercooling and recuperating. Analysis of turbine market segmentation and differentiation reveals the small turbine market to be broken, failing to capture the available space represented by university consumers. Matching customer demands for small turbines and engineering characteristics reveals areas of focus for developers. Finally, policy barriers and incentives for the implementation of CHP projects are explored.
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