Practical feasibility and assessment model for combined heat and power

Purpose – This paper seeks to set out opportunities for the development of a UK‐focused feasibility and sizing model utilising linear programming. Design/methodology/approach – Optimisation of the model is conducted using integer linear programming developed using Excel Solver. Findings – When compared with comparable alternatives, the model is shown to be particularly useful as its functionality is embedded in resource intensive prime mover specifications obtained from seven real industrial cases. Research limitations/implications – The study acknowledges the limitation of utilising sizing data primarily obtained from secondary sources to develop the model. Originality/value – The practical usefulness of this model is that it has been built using “real”, as opposed to simulated‐data. When compared with comparable alternatives, the model is shown to be articularly useful as its functionality is embedded in resource intensive prime mover specifications obtained from seven real industrial cases.