These advantages mean gas-turbine systems are, and will remain, the most popular selection for cogeneration over about 3MWe. The plants represented a variety of industrial sectors and sizes. Driven by a desire to take position in electricity market Reciprocating Engines Cogeneration systems currently use three main types of reciprocating engines in systems up to about 5MWe, industrial gas engines, automotive derived gas engines, and diesels. The most popular fuel is gas. Diesel engines are also being used in new systems.
Industrial engines are heavy, rugged and stationary.
They have been developed to provide reliable power with very low maintenance costs. Like ships' engines, they are built with large bearing surface areas for low wear and are constructed for ease of maintenance. Spark ignition gas and diesel types are available. Their main use has been for pumping and prime power duties where grid electricity is not available, such as in oil fields. They are extremely long-lived and require relatively little maintenance.