What is micro-CHP?
In a power station, only part of the primary energy input is used for power generation. The heat which occurs at the same time is generally discharged to the atmosphere without being used. Only roughly 36 % of the energy used in conventional large power stations is available as electricity which can be used. The rest is lost as waste heat or during transport. The heat needed by the consumer must be produced separately using a boiler. Much higher efficiencies can be achieved if the electricity is generated directly at the point of use, that is to say where the end consumer uses it, and the heat occurring is also used for producing space heat and hot water. Thus losses can be minimised compared with the separate generation of power and heat and consumption of primary energy can be significantly reduced.
With a power rating of up to 3 kW, micro-CHP systems cover the smallest rating segment of cogeneration. Therefore, they are suitable for providing electricity as well as heating and hot water in single and two-family houses. One major feature of micro-CHP units is that they do not need an additional boiler. So as so-called "power-generating heating systems" they can replace conventional space-heating systems, for example when modernisation work is being carried out. The first appliances are already available on the market.
Why micro-CHP?
CHP plants work very effectively and with high efficiencies thanks to the simultaneous generation of power and useful heat: they can convert up to 90% of the energy used into useful energy. This reduces primary energy consumption by roughly 30 to 40% compared with the conventional separate generation of power (in central power stations) and heat (e.g. by a boiler). At the same time, much fewer carbon dioxide emissions are produced. Furthermore, point-of-use CHP plants can produce electricity and heat directly where they are needed. That reduces the losses normally occurring during transport.
With a power rating of up to 3 kW, micro-CHP systems cover the smallest rating segment of cogeneration. Therefore, they are suitable for providing electricity as well as heating and hot water in single and two-family houses. One major feature of micro-CHP units is that they do not need an additional boiler. So as so-called "power-generating heating systems" they can replace conventional space-heating systems, for example when modernisation work is being carried out. The first appliances are already available on the market.
Why micro-CHP?
CHP plants work very effectively and with high efficiencies thanks to the simultaneous generation of power and useful heat: they can convert up to 90% of the energy used into useful energy. This reduces primary energy consumption by roughly 30 to 40% compared with the conventional separate generation of power (in central power stations) and heat (e.g. by a boiler). At the same time, much fewer carbon dioxide emissions are produced. Furthermore, point-of-use CHP plants can produce electricity and heat directly where they are needed. That reduces the losses normally occurring during transport.
