Introduction:
Micro CHP (Combined Heat and Power) generators are small-scale electricity generating systems. They are usually located at residential or commercial buildings, and they generate electricity while also producing heat as a byproduct. The generated electricity can be used on-site or sent back to the grid, whereas heat can be used for space heating and hot water generation. The technology has the potential to reduce energy costs, improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. There are several micro-CHP manufacturers in the market, and each has a range of different CHP generators to offer. In this article, we will discuss the different CHP generators offered by various manufacturers.
1. Honda:
Honda has been producing CHP generators for over 30 years. Their micro-CHP generator, the MCHP-GEN4, is one of the most efficient in the market. It generates 4-kilowatt electricity and provides up to 37,000 BTUs of heat per hour. The generator is powered by Honda’s GX390 engine, which runs on either natural gas or propane. The MCHP-GEN4 has an overall efficiency of 89%, making it one of the most efficient CHP generators in the market.
2. Ceres Power:
Ceres Power is a leading manufacturer of fuel cell technology. Their CHP generator, the Ceres Residential Energy System, uses solid oxide fuel cell technology. It generates up to 1.5 kilowatts of electricity and up to 13,000 BTUs of heat per hour. The generator is highly efficient, with an overall efficiency of up to 84%. The Ceres Residential Energy System can run on either natural gas or propane, and it can also generate electricity using renewable fuels such as biogas or hydrogen.
3. Viessmann:
Viessmann is a German manufacturer that produces a range of heating and energy systems. Their micro-CHP generator, the Vitotwin 300-W, generates up to 2.2 kilowatts of electricity and up to 19,900 BTUs of heat per hour. The generator is highly efficient, with an overall efficiency of up to 95%. The Vitotwin 300-W can run on natural gas, and it is suitable for both residential and commercial buildings.
4. Ener-G:
Ener-G is a UK-based energy company that produces a range of micro-CHP generators. Their most popular model is the Ener-G CHP. It generates up to 5.5 kilowatts of electricity and up to 14,000 BTUs of heat per hour. The generator is highly efficient, with an overall efficiency of up to 92%. The Ener-G CHP can run on both natural gas and propane, and it is suitable for both residential and commercial buildings.
5. Yanmar:
Yanmar is a Japanese manufacturer that produces a range of engines and energy systems. Their micro-CHP generator, the CP5WN, generates up to 5 kilowatts of electricity and up to 20,000 BTUs of heat per hour. The generator is highly efficient, with an overall efficiency of up to 88%. The CP5WN can run on natural gas or propane, and it is suitable for both residential and commercial buildings.
6. Baxi:
Baxi is a UK-based heating and energy company that produces a range of micro-CHP generators. Their most popular model is the Baxi Ecogen. It generates up to 1 kilowatt of electricity and up to 6,300 BTUs of heat per hour. The generator is highly efficient, with an overall efficiency of up to 91%. The Baxi Ecogen can run on both natural gas and propane, and it is suitable for residential buildings.
7. Vaillant:
Vaillant is a German heating and energy company that produces a range of micro-CHP generators. Their most popular model is the ecoPOWER 1.0. It generates up to 1 kilowatt of electricity and up to 3.3 kilowatts of heat per hour. The generator is highly efficient, with an overall efficiency of up to 88%. The ecoPOWER 1.0 can run on both natural gas and propane, and it is suitable for residential buildings.
List of known CHP generator manufacturer
1. Viessmann (Germany)
2. Bosch (Germany)
3. Yanmar (Japan)
4. Honda (Japan)
5. Caterpillar (United States)
6. Ingersoll Rand (United States)
7. General Electric (United States)
8. Ener-G (United Kingdom)
9. Cogen Microsystems (Australia)
10. Baxi (United Kingdom)
11. WhisperGen (New Zealand)
12. BDR Thermea (Netherlands)
13. Daikin (Japan)
14. Rolls-Royce Power Systems (Germany)
15. Vaillant (Germany)
16. CHPM (China)
17. 2G Energy (Germany)
18. Aisin Seiki (Japan)
19. Siemens (Germany)
20. Yanmar Energy System (China)
21. Aegis Energy Services – PowerSync
22. Marathon Engine Systems – Marapco CHP
Conclusion:
Micro-CHP generators are becoming increasingly popular due to their potential for energy cost reduction and improved energy efficiency. There are several micro-CHP manufacturers in the market, and each has a range of different CHP generators to offer. The efficiency, output, and fuel source of each generator vary depending on the manufacturer and model. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the various options before purchasing a micro-CHP generator to determine which would be the most efficient and cost-effective for your specific energy needs.
Note that there may be newer models on the market, and there may be other manufacturers not included in this list.