What is the concept of cogeneration using steam?
Cogeneration is the simultaneous production of electricity and useful thermal energy. This means that you can generate electricity with the same steam you are now using for heating or process. You can use the same steam twice. In modern usage, cogeneration has also come to mean using waste fuel for in-plant electricity generation. Many companies produce steam for process needs at a higher pressure than it is ultimately used at. This steam is usually passed through a pressure-reducing valve, which lowers its pressure and increases its temperature. A steam turbine can take that same energy available when pressure is reduced, and turn it into valuable electricity. Steam turbine generators make electricity by converting a steam pressure drop into mechanical power. High-pressure steam enters the turbine, drives the generator and exhausts at a lower pressure for use in plant heating or process. A turbine does not consume steam; it only reduces its pressure.
