MICRO CHP SYSTEM

MICRO Combined Heat and Power System

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MICRO Combined Heat and Power System

Introduction

Micro combined heat and power system also known as Cogeneration, uses combustion process to produce heat and power. It is considered to be an efficient form of generating electricity while preserving by product heat. It has recently gained a lot of importance in the UK market. Micro CHP uses different technologies to perform and produce electricity as a resultant of it.

Discussion

New and innovative developments in the field of technology have provided cost benefit and significant products that not only enhance way of life but have provided benefits to its users. According to a news paper, Micro CHP system would be a major constituent of emerging smarter energy sector of UK. It uses different engine cycles like Stirling engine, Fuel cell and Organic Rankine cycle could revolutionize the home electric systems of UK ( Renewable energy focus.com (2013): article).

Micro CHP systems

Micro Combined heat and power system can generate electricity by preserving by product heat and can potentially achieve low carbon emissions as compared to other forms of system that generates electricity. Recently in UK alone 50kW micro CHP systems are developed for the domestic and small commercial users.

This system is not only cost effective but the rate with which the carbon emission is produced is significantly reduced under this approach.

1.1 Varieties of Micro CHP

Micro CHP uses different engines, Stirling, fuel cells, organic rankine cycle. But currently stirling and fuel cells are available in UK market.

Stirling engine

Stirling engine is used in the Micro CHP systems and produces between 6kw/h to 10kw/h of heat for 1kw/h of electricity. This follows the concept of more the heat produced more will the electricity be produced. This makes the system efficient for it has lower carbon emission which makes it safe and cost effective. The systems with Stirling engine is using natural gas as the fuel source (Ecuity (2013): 8). At present it is running on gaseous fuel but in future can be operated on any type of fuel.

Fuel Cells

The fuel cells used in the systems are still in the phase of development. They produce both heat and electricity in equal proportions and are appropriate for 3 to 4 bedrooms. Since the proportion of heat and electricity is equal the excessive heat does not create problem and the output can be modified or changed. It has the ability to provide high flexibility of power generation and has a tendency to combine with other generators. It has strong potential in all types of modern and well insulated homes (Ecuity (2013): 9). Uses liquid and gaseous fuel to run and generate electricity.

Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC)

It too is an effective form of producing heat but is generally caters the commercialized market. It can cater both off grid and on grid market. It has lower direct cost and generates short restore periods and therefore is highly demanded in the commercial sector (Ecuity (2013): 8). It currently runs on Bio mass CHP ...