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Micro CHP - Combined Heat & Power
What is micro CHP?Micro CHP (combined heat and power) is a home heating product which uses a Stirling engine with condensing boiler technology. As its name suggests it produces both heat and power. Like a boiler, a micro CHP appliance heats a home’s heating and hot water system, but at the same time also generates electricity. When will Worcester’s micro CHP unit launch?A field trial which is due to end in 2011 is currently underway across Europe. From 2012, an optimised second generation micro CHP product will be commercially available. Worcester’s micro CHP unit will be known as the Greenstar CDi DualGen. Why Combined Heat and Power?Typically, 90-95% of the fuel a micro CHP unit burns is utilised. This is excellent when compared with a conventional power station which typically wastes 60% of the fuel it burns in the form of heat. Therefore, less carbon is emitted. How does a micro CHP unit achieve this efficiency?CHP units use a Stirling engine and a generator which produces both heat and electricity. The heat and electricity it produces can be used within the home. Stirling engines are very efficient, friction free and require no maintenance. What type of property is suitable for micro CHP?Micro CHP is most suited to older buildings that are poorly insulated for example, with sash windows and no cavity wall insulation. CHP units require 3-7kW thermal load for reasonably long periods in order to make them economical. |
