Micro CHP: Heat & Electricity

how chp works


CHP is a process in which both space/water heating and electricity are produced at the same time. Traditional CHP units have been operating at an industrial / community scale since the 1970s. Now since 2000, with rising energy prices, micro CHP designed for individual buildings has become economically viable. Effectively the micro CHP unit replaces the conventional gas central heating boiler providing heat and hot water as usual, but additionally providing some of the building's electricity needs. The European Cogeneration Directive defines micro-CHP as all units with an electrical capacity of less than 50 kW.



chp at different scales of use

 

Micro CHP- Heat & Electricity - pros & cons

Pro CHP provides security of electricity supply
Pro Local generation of electricity is usually cheaper than buying off-grid
Pro Micro CHP can use a wide range of fuels
Pro Micro CHP has the potential to provide carbon savings
Pro Excess electricity can be sold to the grid (‘net metering’)
Pro Carbon savings of 15 – 20% can be achieved in small commercial applications
Pro Carbon savings of 5 – 10% can be achieved in older, larger houses with high and consistent heat demands
Pro Domestic micro-CHP systems typically generate electricity at times which correspond with peaks in demand
Pro Micro CHP technology and its implementation is rapidly improving. Small improvements in electricity efficiency to current domestic units are likely to dramatically improve carbon saving potential
Con Micro CHP is a relatively unproven technology
Con Carbon savings in most smaller, newer domestic properties are insignificant
Con Micro CHP is inefficient for short run cycles
Con There is a high incidence of unreliability in currently installed units
Con On average, 50% of electricity generated in domestic applications is surplus. There is a current shortfall of available export reward tariffs for excess electricity directed to the grid
Con Lack of technical knowledge can limit the practical application of micro – CHP in commercial environments
Con As grid carbon intensity reduces (from an increase in renewables), so the benefits from micro-CHP fall accordingly
Con Current life expectancy of micro-CHP units is reported to be relatively low
Con High installation costs
Con Some CHP units are heavy – requiring solid flooring
Con Current payback period is in excess of 20 years, but will reduce along with increased production

 

 

Technologies

 

Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)


IC engine micro CHPs are currently the more common prime movers. ICs are more often used in small commercial premises and in large residential developments such as care homes. The internal combustion engine is a tried and tested technology, but engines in practice produce relatively high emissions as well as noise.

Stirling engine


Current developments in micro CHP technology are being concentrated on the Stirling engine. These engines are external combustion engines, which allow continuous, controlled combustion resulting in very low pollutant emissions and high combustion efficiency. In comparison with IC engines, Stirling engines have relatively long service intervals as well as lower running costs as well as being quieter – which makes them more suitable for domestic applications.

Fuel cell


Still in an early stage of development, and years away from the market, fuel cells have the potential to produce heat and power very efficiently with low emissions and noise levels. Fuel cells convert hydrogen and oxygen (the fuel) directly into electricity without any mechanical drive or generator. Heat is produced as a bi-product of the electrochemical process, with water as a waste product.

 

Fuels


Natural gas is the most common form of fuel for micro CHPs – though research is proceeding with a view to develop engines which can operate using more sustainable fuels such as biomass, woodgas and solar thermal.

 

 

Points to consider when specifying Micro CHP


• Applicability - the target markets are for small commercial buildings and existing houses.
• Understand what the heating and power loading will be
• Ensure that maintainance is included in life-cycle costing
• Check the track record of Micro CHP systems considered
• Care must be taken to optimise performance when integrating with an existing central heating system
• Occupants must be informed of how to obtain maximum performance from the Micro CHP system

 

 

Movies

 

 

 

Examples of Micro CHP in action from the manufacturer ENER-G

 

;

 

 

Further information


• The Carbon Trust (www.carbontrust.co.uk)
• The Combined Heat & Power Association (https://selectra.co.uk/energy/guides/market/combined-heat-power-association )

 

 


Disclaimer

GreenSpec accepts no responsibility or liability for any damages or costs of any type arising out of or in any way connected with your use of this web site. Data and information is provided for information purposes only, and is not intended for trading purposes. Neither GreenSpec nor any of its partners shall be liable for any errors in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.