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CHP?

Aidan
Aidan Member Posts: 37
in THE MAIN WALL
CHP has been around for a long time for commercial premises where there is sufficient simultaneous demand, 365 days, for both the electricity and heat. Micro-CHP for houses is under development but, to the best of my knowledge, isn't yet a viable alternative to a boiler.
See;

http://www.microgen.com/main2.swf

Comments

  • Melton
    Melton Member Posts: 10


    I have been reading about various heating options because I am faced with a complete mechanical renaovation of a 8,600 sqft home. I have read a number of articles on combined heat and power. In particular, diesel microturbines and sterling engines. Are there are real alternatives today? Does it make sense?
  • J.C.A._3
    J.C.A._3 Member Posts: 2,980
    Wish I had more to offer,

    I saw a few units being tested a Brookhaven National Labs this Summer.

    I don't know if they have written the pappers yet, or if any of their info is available ,yet, on line.

    Looked like they were going to town with these units, but I haven't heard any results as of yet. You could try the website @ BNL@gov.org. It worked a while ago, but with the funding being cut to the bone, my guess is that it may be a shot in the dark.

    Good luck, and please keep us informed if you find anything. Chris
  • todd s
    todd s Member Posts: 212
    chp

    How many years before these will be available for light commercial/residential? This seems like it will
    revolutionize the power distribution system.
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,610
    If you can wait

    until 2005 I think you'll be delighted with a new concept in development that I saw a few weeks ago. I can't give any details at this point, but the prototype was a remarkable performer.
    Retired and loving it.
  • Aidan
    Aidan Member Posts: 37
    CHP

    I understood that about 1,000 of the British Gas/Microgen CHP units were under 'road test' in the UK and it was within 1 or 2 years of being marketed, depending on the test results. I have no inside knowledge of this. The electric output (about 1.2 kW) wasn't sufficient to provide complete independence from the mains electric supply.

    From my previous experience with commercial CHP, I would be reluctant to rely solely on a CHP machine for heating; I'd want a boiler on stand-by.

    I've also heard that fuel-cell based domestic CHP units were being developed, but know nothing more about it.
  • mp1969
    mp1969 Member Posts: 225
    Exciting

    The thought of point of use generation and use of waste heat is very exciting and overdue. Seems that I read about this in Mechanic's Illustrated years ago. The energy lost getting electricity to our homes is unbeleivable. This is truly something to get involved with as soon as it is feasible and cost effective.
    Small engine manufacturers such as Briggs and Stratton also have looked into this. They recently purchased Generac and that could be an interesting fact regarding CHP

    MP1969
This discussion has been closed.

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