The current global developments (political difficulties in arabic countries, new evaluation of nuclear power) will definitely influence the energy supply and availability. Decentralised solutions in the private sector are one strategy; however, this shift should consider solutions for existing houses, which is more challenging. Due to individual conditions such size and orientation of the existing buildings and expensive energy storage, solar panels are not always the best choice. Simple and easy solutions are key.
In Germany e.g., 49% of all flats are heated with natural gas. The reserves-to-production ratio of natural gals is about 63 years (source: German Ministry of Economy).
Smart combined heat and power (CHP) systems (micro- and mini-CHP) are offered, which can be easily installed by replacing exiting gas heating systems. A quite innovative solution is the micro CHP ”ecoPOWER 1.0”, developed by Honda and Vaillant, which will be available in summer 2011:
http://www.vaillant.de/stepone2/data/downloads/2c/4c/00/Aktionsfolder-KWK.pdf
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9T5ioXU9nY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yelxr1m_3AU
http://www.vaillant.de/Presse/Press-Releases/article/Vaillant_first_full-range_supplier_for_combined_heat_and_power_in_the_small_output_range.htm
Sven Grieger, ENE
Yesterday I could see this system at the Vaillant booth at a local fair. After the discussion with the marketing guy, I found some obstancles for an application in our house:
ReplyDeleteThe noise emission of the engine is about 47 dB(A), so we have to find a suitable space in our house. But even in the cellar the vibrations would be present in the whole house. There is no cost-benefit analysis available. They told me that you can only produce a significant amount electrical energy in winter, and sometimes in spring or harvest. In summer, the machine will run only from time to time, because the heat storage capacity is limited. If the heat storage is full, the engine will stop. There is no change of getting rid of the energy, and a cooling finction is not available (combined heat cooling and power system.
And, an additional heating system for the winter is needed, since the thermal energy of the motor is not sufficient if it is too cold outside.
Interesting system, but some inteligence is needed for improvement.