Micro CHP Systems

FINAL REPORT De live r ab le 8 (D8) of G ree n L od ge s Pro ject
( EIE/04 /252 /S0 7 .38 608)
Micro CHP systems:

state-of-the-art
Authors: Gnter R. Simader

Robert Krawinkler
Georg Trnka
Contracting body: European Commission
Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour
Vienna, March 2006
Imprint
Published and produced by: sterreichische Energieagentur Austrian Energy Agency

Otto-Bauer-Gasse 6, A-1060 Vienna, Phone +43 (1) 586 15 24, Fax +43 (1) 586 15 24 - 40
E-Mail: office@energyagency.at, Internet: http://www.energyagency.at
Editor in Chief: Dr. Fritz Unterpertinger
Project management: Gnter Simader
Reviewing: Georg Trnka
Layout: Georg Trnka
Picture on front page: 5 kWel/12,3 kWth micro CHP unit with storage tank (courtesy of Senertec)
Produced and published in Vienna
Printed on non-chlorine bleached paper.
The sole responsibility for the content of this document lies with the authors. It does not represent the opinion of the
Community. The European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained
therein.
Introduction
Table of contents
1 Introduction____________________________________________________ 1
2 Definition of micro CHP _________________________________________ 2
3 State of the art of micro CHP technologies _______________________ 5
3.1 Conversion Technologies ________________________________________ 5
3.1.1 Reciprocating Engines _______________________________________________ 5
3.1.2 Micro Gas Turbines __________________________________________________ 8
3.1.3 Stirling Engines ____________________________________________________ 10
3.1.4 Organic Rankine Cycle ORC _______________________________________ 11
3.1.5 Fuel Cell Technology _______________________________________________ 13
3.2 Product characteristics of micro CHP technologies________________ 14
3.2.1 Reciprocating Engines ______________________________________________ 14
3.2.2 Stirling Engines ____________________________________________________ 21
4 Applications of micro CHP plants (including planning, selection,
integration into the heat and electricity system) _____________________ 23
4.1 General ________________________________________________________ 23
4.2 Procedure for determining the energy demand ____________________ 24
4.2.1 Energy Supply _____________________________________________________ 24
4.2.2 Determination of the energy demand structure for electricity and heat; drawing
up and evaluation of load curves _____________________________________________ 25
4.3 Analysis of actual energy costs __________________________________ 26
4.4 Drawing up a concept for the selection of CHP plants _____________ 27
4.4.1 Choice of type, size and number of CHP systems _______________________ 28
4.4.2 Load curves for electricity and heat generation by the CHP system ________ 29
4.4.3 Determination of the operation mode __________________________________ 29
4.4.4 Energy balances for electricity and heat _______________________________ 30
4.4.5 Consideration of legal and environmental regulations for installation and
operation of CHP systems ___________________________________________________ 31
4.5 Concept variations and selection of CHP systems _________________ 31
4.5.1 General ___________________________________________________________ 31
4.5.2 Methods for evaluating economic efficiency ____________________________ 32
4.5.3 Investment costs ___________________________________________________ 33
4.5.4 Fuel consumption costs _____________________________________________ 34
4.5.5 Operation and maintenance costs ____________________________________ 34
4.5.6 Simplified examples for the economics of micro- and mini CHP plants _____ 34
4.6 The final concept and follow-up activities _________________________ 36
4.6.1 Integration into the heat distribution system (heat driven operation mode) __ 36
4.6.2 Integration into the electric distribution system __________________________ 39
4.6.3 Planning of a stand alone power supply system_________________________ 41
4.6.4 Hydraulic integration for off-grid operation______________________________ 43
5 Barriers for the further introduction of micro CHP systems _______ 46
I
Micro CHP systems: state-of-the-art
6 Summary _____________________________________________________ 49
7 Annex ________________________________________________________ 51
7.1 List of suppliers for reciprocating engines_________________________ 51
7.2 List of suppliers for rape oil engines ______________________________ 58
8 Literature _____________________________________________________ 61
II
Introduction
1 Introduction
The project Green Lodges aims at promoting and facilitating RES heat & electricity applica-
tions (biomass, solar & micro CHP mainly) in rural lodges, usually located in areas with high
environmental value.
Delivery 8 (D8) report as the first deliverable of work package 3 provides information
regarding the state of the art of micro CHP systems. All kind of CHP applications and tech-
nologies below of 1 MWel (combustion technologies like internal combustion engines, diesel
engines, stirling engines, micro turbines, ORC, fuel cells, etc) and RES (rape oil/biodiesel,
biogas, etc) will be considered. The focus of the analysis will be laid on micro CHP units up
to an electrical output of 50 kW following the definition of the CHP directive.
As micro CHP systems are not very developed in all European regions/countries participat-
ing in Green Lodges project, this report also identifies critical economic success factors in
order to facilitate further projects. Beside of the technical and economic characteristics,
barriers for the further deployment of micro CHP plants were identified. Site specific aspects
like planning, integration into the heat system, interconnection to the grid, stand-alone ver-
sions, etc. were discussed in detail in order to qualify the project partners themselves for
implementing micro CHP systems in their own regions. In this context tables and figures
giving precise planning guidelines will round up the content of the report.
The identification of best-practice and good-practice examples in form of case studies in

each region will be the next step within work package 3 (as D9 delivery 9). Furthermore, all
the information regarding the current available technologies and applications will be gathered
in a flag brochure aimed to the equipment and service suppliers. Goal is that they receive
latest knowledge about the advances and the existing possibilities of micro CHP systems.
Information will encourage the offer, and this will promote the growing of the micro CHP
market (D10 delivery 10) in each region and/or country.
1
2 Definition of micro CHP
In the past several definitions concerning micro CHP were used in the literature. The publica-
tion of the cogeneration directive in February 2004 [Lit 3] finally clarified this situation in
Europe because of the following definitions:
(i) micro-cogeneration unit shall mean a cogeneration unit with a maximum capacity below
50 kWel, and
(ii) small scale cogeneration shall mean cogeneration units with an installed capacity below
1 MWel.
Cogeneration production includes the sum of produced electricity and mechanical energy
and useful heat from the cogeneration units. This generally means that conventional heating
systems are replaced by electricity generators equipped with heat exchangers to additionally
use/recover the waste heat. The heat is used for space and water heating and possibly for
cooling, the electricity is used within the building or fed into the grid.
However, in the literature several authors refer to smaller power outputs (< 15 kWel) when
they talk about micro CHP. Arguments that support the definition of smaller power range are:
(i) CHP systems < 15 kWel are clearly systems for the deployment in single buildings like
small hotels, small business enterprises, guest houses, apartment houses, inns, etc.
which can be distinguished from systems supplying heat to a district or neighbourhood
(f. ex. district heating systems).
(ii) Systems in a power regime (< 15 kWel) substantially differ from larger ones with respect
to electricity distribution, ownership models, restructuring of supply relationships, and
consumer behaviour. Compared to conventional CHP, for example based on district
heating, no additional heat distribution grid is required. Systems below 15 kWel can be
directly connected to the three-phase grid. The implementation barriers for small scale
CHP systems are more pronounced than for the larger ones.
In central Europe micro CHP products are typically run as heating appliances, providing
space heating and warm water in residential, suburban, rural or commercial buildings like
conventional boilers. But unlike a boiler, micro CHP generates electricity together with the
heat at very high efficiencies and therefore helps to save fuel, cut greenhouse gas emissions
and reduce electricity costs. Most units operate in grid-parallel mode, so that the building
continues to receive some of its electrical needs from the electrical network, but it may also
export some electricity to the electrical network. These can be used to provide heating and
electricity to district heating schemes, apartment buildings, hotels, guest houses, commercial
buildings and small industries. They can run on natural gas, light oil gas, biogas, rape oil
and/or RME. These products are either already available commercially or they are close to
market entry.
A number of different conversion technologies have been developed for the application in
micro CHP systems.
2
Definition of micro CHP
Reciprocating engines are conventional internal combustion engines coupled with

a generator and heat exchangers to recover the heat of the exhaust gas and the
cooling cycle.
Stirling engines are thermal engines where the heat is generated externally in a
separate combustion chamber (external combustion engines). They are also
equipped with a generator and heat exchanger(s).
Micro gas turbines are small gas turbines belonging to the group of turbo machines
up to an electric power output of 300 kWel. In order to raise the electrical output mi-
cro gas turbines are equipped with a recuperator (heat/heat exchanger). They are
also equipped with a regular heat exchanger in order to use the waste heat from the
exhaust gases.
ORC: The Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) is similar to the cycle of a conventional
steam turbine, except for the fluid that drives the turbine, which is a high molecular
mass organic fluid. The selected working fluids allow exploiting efficiently low tem-
perature heat sources to produce electricity in a wide range of power outputs (from
few kW up to 3 MW electric power per unit).
Fuel cells are electrochemical energy converters similar to primary batteries. Fuel
cell micro CHP systems are either based on the low temperature polymer electrolyte
membrane fuel cells (PEFC or PEMFC) which operate at about 80 C, or on high
temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) working at around 800 - 1000 C.
Various other technologies, such as steam cells, thermoelectric devices, etc. are
still under development.
While reciprocating plants are already commercially available, stirling engines, ORC and
micro-gas turbines are close to it with a substantial number of pilot and demonstration plants
being in operation. Fuel cells are still in the R&D phase1 with a number of pilot plants cur-
rently being tested. (see Table 1 for comparison of the state of the art micro CHP technolo-
gies).
1
R&D is the abbreviation for research and development.
3
Figure 1 Comparison of the technological state of the art of micro CHP technologies using
R&D cycles (Source: characterisation is based on the EU ATLAS project,
http://europa.eu.int/comm/energy_transport/atlas/homeu.html)
Prototypes - proof of concept of technology

Pilot plants - first operation experience, final system design not fixed yet
Demonstration plants - (Pre-commercial plants) - Field test units in order to achieve operation and market
experience, final system design fixed
Commercial plants - Already implemented systems in competitive markets
4
State of the art of micro CHP technologies
3 State of the art of micro CHP technologies
The previous chapter showed an overview of the available technology portfolio available for
micro CHP systems. This chapter provides a detailed description of the different technolo-
gies up to an electrical power output of 1000 kWel. A special focus is given to the available
product portfolio in this power range. Due to the many technology providers, distributors and
the many available products the descriptions receive a special focus on a power < 50 kWel.
3.1 Conversion Technologies
3.1.1 Reciprocating Engines

Reciprocating engines are well known from cars. They can be defined as machines that
obtain mechanical power by using the energy produced by the expenditure of a gas burned
within a chamber integrated to the engine: For this reason reciprocating engines are also
called internal combustion engines or endothermic engines. If used for CHP generation, the
engine drives an electric generator while the heat from the engine exhaust, cooling water
and oil is additionally used for respective heat demand. Engines have high efficiencies even
in small sizes. They are widely used in small plants because they allow compact modular
systems; depending on the application several small modules are assembled in on system.
This allows to follow the load curves better within the optimum level of the modules. It also
eases maintenance. Reciprocating engines can be spilt into two main categories:
Diesel engines, and
spark ignition engines.
3.1.1.1 Diesel engines (incl. the usage of biodiesel and rape oil)
They are also called compression-ignition engines. Most Diesel engines running in CHP
units are four stroke engines with a cycle consisting of intake, compression, combustion and
exhaust. During the first stroke air is drawn into the combustion chamber through an intake
valve, and then during the second stroke, a little part of the air is compressed bringing its
temperature to about 440 C. At the end of the compression phase vaporised fuel is injected
within the chamber. The high temperature provokes the instant combustion of the fuel-air
mixture. The final stroke consists in the exhaust of the combustion gases. This kind of en-
gine presents a higher power to heat ratio compared to spark ignition engines, and operates
through a large scale of very small sizes from 5 kWel for small units to a power equivalent of
some 10 MWel for large systems.
In the last few years a trend for using biodiesel and rape oil in diesel engines could be moni-
tored. Due to the excellent biodegradability and to its low ecotoxicity of rape oil/biodiesel the
deployment of CHP plants in ecological sensible regions receives major attention. Further-
more such systems achieve high efficiencies, do not produce any direct CO2 emissions and
contribute to a sustainable energy supply in green lodges. For these reasons several alpine
refuges were equipped with rape oil/biodiesel CHP systems mainly in Austria and Germany.
5
However, some particular details have to be taken into account when using biodiesel or rape
oil in diesel engines:
Usage of biodiesel in CHP plants:
By using biodiesel in diesel engines it has to be taken into account that the diesel engine
(especially the rubber parts and the seals/gaskets) is capable to use biodiesel. A mixture of
biodiesel and fossil diesel can be used without any problems; even a 100 % usage of bio-
diesel. When using biodiesel in CHP systems the emissions of particles, NMHC, CO are
lower than with fossil diesel. The usage of Oxi-catalysts further improves the emissions. Due
to the fact that biodiesel shows hygroscopic characteristics unintended water uptake should
be avoided. Otherwise the storage of biodiesel should be as careful as with fossil fuel.
Usage of rape oil in CHP plants:
Due to the specific characteristics of rape oil in comparison with diesel and/or light fuel oil the
CHP system requires adjusted plant components in the fuel storage system, in the fuel
system, in the fuel preheating unit, in the injection system and in the engine itself. Principally
a number of vegetable oils could be used in diesel engines. However, most experience
exists by using rape oil. Furthermore minimum requirements of the characteristics of rape oil
have already been defined by the Weihenstephaner quality standard and consecutively by
a German prenorm DIN V 51605.
3.1.1.2 Spark ignition engines

This type of engine works similar to the Diesel engine, but the system follows the so-called
Otto cycle, and ignition is provoked through an electrical spark at the end of the second
stroke. Spark ignition engines range between 3 kWel and 6 MWel capacities. The heat to
power ratio is lower than the one of compression engine, yet the overall efficiency of this
technology is higher.
The next table summarises the characteristics both of diesel and spark ignition engines.
Table 1 Characteristics of reciprocating engines
Thermo Fuel used Efficiencies Power size

dynamical total electrical range
cycle
Diesel Diesel cycle Gas, biogas, 65 - 90 35 - 45 5 kWel to 20
engine ELFO*), LFO **), MWel
HFO***), rape oil,
RME ****)
Spark Otto cycle Gas, biogas, 70 - 92 25 43 3 kWel to > 6
ignition naphtha MWel
engine
Average cost investment in /kWel 340 2000
(Fuel oil engine)
Average cost investment in /kWel 450 2500
(spark ignition gas engine)
Operation and maintenance costs in /kWhel 0,0075 0,015
*) Extra Light Fuel Oil, **) Light Fuel Oil, ***) Heavy Fuel Oil, ****) rapeseed methyl ester
6
The investment costs for micro CHP systems vary significantly depending on the kind of
technology. Furthermore there exists a high dependency of the specific investment costs
from the electrical power output. Figure 2 gives an overview for standard prices for CHP
systems based on reciprocating engines for natural gas CHP, fuel oil CHP, biogas CHP and
rape-oil CHP plants. The prices include hardware, transport, assembly, starting, commission-
ing and acceptance tests. The lines in Figure 2 represent average price levels based on 250
quotations from over 40 suppliers.
2500
Rape-oil CHP
Biogas CHP
2000
Natural gas CHP
Standard Prices [/kWel]
Fuel Oil CHP
1500
1000
500
0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000
Electrical Power Outpt [kWel]
Figure 2 Dependency of specific investment prices for reciprocating engines as function of

the electrical power output for rape-oil CHP, biogas CHP, natural gas CHP and fuel oil
CHP(< 300 kWel) plants (Source: based on [Lit 18])
Concerning the maintenance of reciprocating CHP systems many forms of service contracts
may be agreed with the suppliers and/or distribution companies. The simplest form includes
only the delivery of spare parts and the repair work is done by the plant operators staff. In
case of no available staff by the operator full service contracts are closed to provide the
continuous maintenance of the CHP plant.2 Figure 3 gives an overview of average standard
prices for full maintenance contracts showing again a high dependency of the prices from the
electrical power output. The lines represent average price levels based on over 180 quota-
tions.
2
Principles for drafting of service contracts are provided in VDI 4680: Combined heat and power systems (CHPS) -
principles for the drafting of service contracts.
7
3,00
Biogas CHP
2,50 Natural Gas

CHP
Standard Prices [-cents/kWhel]
2,00
1,50
1,00
0,50
0,00
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000
Electrical Power Output [kWel]
Figure 3 Dependency of specific maintenance prices for reciprocating engines as function of

the electrical power output for biogas CHP and natural gas CHP (Source: based on [Lit 18])
Principally the standard prices of natural gas CHP can be also used as orientation for
oil/diesel CHP systems including a supplement due to higher maintenance intervals. Roughly
the prices are between 1 and 5 cents/kWh for full service contracts. This price level also
applies for rape-oil CHP plants. Due to the higher price levels for oil/diesel CHPs a trend to
LPG systems could be observed in Austria in the last years. Companies offering LPG addi-
tionally offered special financing and operation modes to support and foster this trend.
3.1.2 Micro Gas Turbines

The basic technology of micro turbines is derived from aircraft auxiliary power systems,
diesel engine turbochargers, and automotive designs. Micro turbines stick out for their reli-
ability, small size and low weight. Presently, R&D efforts are dedicated to the construction of
a micro turbine with a power output only of a few kilowatts. Todays devices have achieved
almost the same efficiency than internal combustion engines at lower emission levels of NOx
and CO. Micro turbines' high outlet temperature (> 500 C) is suitable for numerous high-
value applications, such as direct drying or heating processes; furthermore for cooling appli-
cations including absorption systems.
Micro turbines function similar to their large-scale counterparts, but their electrical efficiency
is only about 15%. However, this figure can be improved with the installation of a recuperator
(heat/heat exchanger) that preheats air used during the combustion process by reusing
exhausting gas heat. This device also allows varying the power to heat ratio (see Figure 4).
The core component of micro turbine systems could achieve in the last years very compact
technical designs (see Figure 5).
8
Figure 4 left side: system diagram of micro CHP gas turbine (Source: Bowman Power Sys-
tems Ltd.); right side: T28-60/80L plant in the heating station in Delmenhorst (Germany)
(Source: Austrian Energy Agency)
Figure 5 Capstones C30 micro turbine generator (Source: Capstone Turbine Corporation)
Micro turbines are still more expensive than internal combustion engines (see the compari-
son of investment costs in Figure 6). Because of the few moving parts of the device lower
operation and maintenance costs are possible compared to combustion engines. The life
expectancy of micro turbines is over 40.000 hours. The principle characteristics of micro gas
turbines are shown in the next table.
Table 2 Characteristics of micro gas turbines (Source: Lit 21]
Power to heat Fuel used Efficiencies Power

ratio Total electrical size range
Micro 0,2 0,8 Natural gas, gas 65 90 15 - 30 15 kWel to

turbine oil, diesel, pro- 300 kWel
pane, Kerosene,
9
biogas, flare gas,

etc.
Average cost investment in /kWel 900 2.500
(Diesel engine)
Operation and maintenance costs in /kWhel 0,006 0,21
3000,00
Natural gas CHP
Capstone/G.A.S.
2500,00 Gasturbo
Turbec
Standard Prices [Euro/kWel]
2000,00
1500,00
1000,00
500,00
0,00
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Electrical Power Output [kWel]
Figure 6 Dependency of specific investment prices for selected micro gas turbines in com-
parison with reciprocating engines as function of the electrical power output in a power range
till 100 kWel (Source: price function of reciprocating engines is based on [Lit 18], prices for
micro turbines are based on [Lit 20], [Lit 21], [Lit 22])
3.1.3 Stirling Engines

Stirling engines promise advantages with a particular view to small-scale CHP in units as
small as < 1 kWel: High efficiency, good performance at partial load, fuel flexibility, and low
noise and air emission levels. Compared to internal combustion engines, the stirling engine
is an external combustion device where the cycle medium is not exchanged during each
cycle, but remains within the cycle whilst the energy driving the cycle is applied externally.
The burner supplying heat to the process can operate on different fuels (gasoline, alcohol,
natural gas or butane). The external combustion facilitates the control of the combustion
process and supports a cleaner and more efficient process.
The so-called stirling cycle consists of the expansion and compression of a working gas,
generally helium or hydrogen, inside a chamber featuring a system of pistons and crank/-
shaft mechanisms to move the gas around. The pistons can be arranged in different ways,
e.g. two pistons in one cylinder, two pistons and two cylinders per cycle, or four cylinders
with four double acting pistons leading to four separated cycles.
10
The stirling engine technology is on the verge of commercialisation. For this reason almost
no statistical data on reliability, availability or prices are available. Stirling engine develop-
ments in the car industry during the 70s could not beat the conventional diesel and Otto
engines. Yet, the promising prospects in terms of emission, noise, vibration and efficiency
stimulate the further R&D into this device for CHP applications.
Table 3 Characteristics of Stirling Engines (Source: [Lit 20])
Thermo dy- Fuel used Efficiencies Power

namical cycle Total electrical size range
Stirling Stirling cycle Natural gas, 65 95 ~ 25 3 kWel to
engine gas oil, alco- 1,5 MWel
hol, butane
Average cost investment in /kWel Ca. 2.500 4.500 (for < 10 kW Systems)
Operation and maintenance costs in /kWhel N.A.
3.1.4 Organic Rankine Cycle ORC

The Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) is similar to the cycle of a conventional steam turbine,
except for the fluid that drives the turbine, which is a high molecular mass organic fluid. The
selected working fluids allow exploiting efficiently low temperature heat sources to produce
electricity in a wide range of power outputs (from few kW up to 3 MW electric power per
unit).
Figure 7 Working principle of a biomass-fired ORC process (Source: [Lit 13]
The organic working fluid is vaporised by application of a heat source in the evaporator. The
organic fluid vapour expands in the turbine and is then condensed using a flow of water in a
shell-and-tube heat exchanger (alternatively, ambient air can be used for cooling). The
condensate is pumped back to the evaporator thus closing the thermodynamic cycle. Heat-
ing and cooling sources are not directly in contact with the working fluid nor with the turbine.
For high temperature applications (e.g. combined heat and power biomass-powered plants,
high temperature thermal oil is used as a heat carrier and a regenerator is added, to further
improve the cycle performance.
11
Key technical benefits of ORC plants include:
high cycle efficiency

very high turbine efficiency (up to 85 percent)
low mechanical stress of the turbine, due to the low peripheral speed
low RPM3 of the turbine allowing the direct drive of the electric generator without re-
duction gear
no erosion of blades, due to the absence of moisture in the vapour nozzles
long life
no operator required
The system also has practical advantages, such as simple start-stop procedures, quiet
operation, minimum maintenance requirements, good part load performance.
Typical applications are:
low enthalpy geothermal plants, up to 3 MW electric per unit

combined Heat and Power (CHP) biomass powered plants, in the range 400 to 1500
kW electric
heat recovery applications, in the range 400 to 1500 kW electric
solar applications
The company Turboden presently the European market leader in ORC product develop-
ments located in Brescia (Italy) has developed a standard range of turbo generators using
as working fluid silicone oil.
Table 4 Sizes of standard ORC turbo generators for biomass powered CHP proposed as
standard by Turboden (Source: [Lit 14])
T450-CHP T500-CHP T600-CHP T1100-CHP T1500-CHP

Heat source Thermal oil in a Thermal oil in a Thermal oil in a Thermal oil in a Thermal oil in a
closed loop closed loop closed loop closed loop closed loop
Thermal power 2550 kW 2900 kW 3500 kW 6380 kW 8700 kW
input from
thermal oil
Hot water 60 / 80 C 60 / 80 C 60 / 80 C 60 / 80 C 60 / 80 C
temperature
(in/out)
Thermal power 2025 kW 2320 kW 2800 kW 5115 kW 6975 kW
to the cooling
water circuit
Net electric 450 kW 500 kW 600 kW 1100 kW 1500 kW
power output
So far biomass fuelled ORC systems have been mainly applied in the wood processing
industry and in the local district heating systems. For green lodges the standard power
outputs seem too large in order to realise feasible technical and economic solutions.
3
RPM is the abbreviation for revolutions per minute.
12
Figure 8 The Admont (Austria) T450-CHP unit during installation on site in 1999 (Source:
Turboden)
Turboden presently refers to 34 reference projects; 16 of these systems are already in

operation (mainly in Austria and Germany). The other ones are under construction.
3.1.5 Fuel Cell Technology

Fuel cell systems are presently still in the R&D phase. There are currently 5 to 6 competing
technologies, all of which have specific pros and cons; two developments dominate the
demonstration activities:
(i) 5 kWel/7 kWth PEFC system from Vaillant, and

(ii) 1 kWel/3 kWth SOFC system from Sulzer Hexis.4
Both systems are equipped with auxiliary burners and boilers in order to be used for heat
driven operation modes. In the years 2002 till 2006 five micro CHP systems were tested in
Austria confirming the early R&D stage of fuel cell systems.
4
By the end of 2005 Sulzer Hexis company announced that they are discontinuing its SOFC R&D activities. Latest
news point to a continuation of the Hexis product development on a smaller level.
13
Figure 9 Sulzer Hexis 1 kWel/3kWth Fuel Cell Systems equipped with aux. Burner (Source:
Sulzer Hexis)
Presently major R&D programmes are carried out world-wide in order to push forward these
technologies (f. ex. as part of the 6th and 7th EU R&D programme, R&D programmes from
USA, Japan, etc.).
3.2 Product characteristics of micro CHP technologies
3.2.1 Reciprocating Engines

Reciprocating engines are commercially available and produced in large numbers by a
variety of companies worldwide. The market leader is the Germany based company
Senertec. The Senertec model called Dachs generates around 5,5 kWel and a thermal
power of 14 kW depending on the product model (see Figure 10 and Table 5). By the end of
2004, Senertec announced that over 10.000 of these units were sold.
Figure 10 Front and side view of Sachs 5 kWel/12,5 kWth HKA G and F (courtesy of
Senertec)
14
Table 5 Technical data sets of Dachs HKA (Source: www.senertec.de, January 2006)
Type DACHS HKA G 5.5 HKA G 5.0 HKA F 5.5 HKA HR 5.3
Low NOx Low NOx
Fuel Natural Natural gas LPG *) ELFO **) Biodiesel
gas
Electrical output [kW] 5,5 5,0 5,5 5,3 5,3
Electrical output [kW] 12,5 12,3 12,5 10,5 10,3
Fuel input [kW] 20,5 19,6 20,5 17,9 17,6
Max. water flow temp. 83 C
Max. water return temp. 70 C
Voltage / frequency 3 ~ 230 V / 400 V 50 Hz
Efficiency
- electrical 27% 26% 27% 30% 30%
- thermal 61% 63% 61% 59% 59%
-Fuel efficiency 88% 89% 88% 89% 89%
CHP coefficient 0,44 0,41 0,44 0,50 0,51
Noise level at 1 m dB(A) 52 - 56 54 - 58
Emissions < TA-Luft X X X
Emissions < 1/2TA-Luft X X
Service intervals [running 3.500 3.500 3.500 2.700 Recom-
hours] mended:
1400
Minimum methane number 35 35 35
*) Liquefied petroleum gas; **) Extra Light Fuel Oil
Other companies offering micro CHP products based on reciprocating engines include
Power Plus (recently purchased by the boiler company Vaillant) with its 4,7 kWel Ecopower
module, capable of modulating its capacity (see Figure 11 and Table 6).
Figure 11 Ecopowers 1,3 - 4,7 kWel (modulating) / 4 - 12,5 kWth (modulating) micro CHP
system (Source: www.minibhkw.de, January 2006)
15
Table 6 Valentins small scale CHP unit distributed by Ecopower (Source: Power Plus)
Fuels Natural gas, LPG

Electrical output 1,3 - 4,7 kW, modulating 1)
Thermal output 4,0 12,5 kW, modulating 2)
Total efficiency, fuel usage > 90%
Speed range 1200 3600 rpm
Fuel consumption (natural gas) 0,8 m - 1,9 m per hour
Engine temperature In operation: 75C; maximum: 95C
Cooling water temperatures In operation: 75C; maximum: 95C
Exhaust gas temperature < 90C; Maximum: 120C
Emission levels NOx < 70 mg pro Nm @ 5% O2
CO < 300 mg pro Nm @ 5% O2
Noise level 56 dB(A) at 2 meters
Dimensions (H x W x L) 108 x 74 x 137 cm
Weight 395 kg
1) Depending on gas quality and ambient air pressure
2) Ratio between thermal and electrical output is approximately constant over the
total power output.
Other companies offering engine based micro CHP systems are: Spilling Energie Systeme
GmbH (see Figure 12 and
16
Table 7), Buderus (see Table 8), Oberdorfer (< 150 kWel) (see Table 9) and GE Jenbacher
(> 100 kWel) (see Table 10). A product list of all producers and distributors would be beyond
of this report. Nevertheless a list of the most known companies is provided in Annex 7.1.
As already outlined in section 3.1.1.1 in the last few years a trend for using biodiesel and
rape oil in diesel engines could be monitored. Compared to fossil diesel advantages are
given by its excellent biodegradability and its low ecotoxicity. CHP systems based on bio-
diesel/rape oil achieve also high efficiencies, do not produce any direct CO2 emissions and
contribute to a sustainable energy supply in green lodges. A list of suppliers has been
compiled and this list is attached to Annex 7.2.
Figure 12 Spillings 20 kWel/40 kWth Power Therm micro CHP product
17
Table 7 Spilling Energie Systems PowerTherm product
Fuels Natural Gas, LPG, biogas, sewage gas

Electrical output 7 - 20 kW, modulating
Thermal output (at 70 C 12 - 40 kW, modulating
return temperature)
Fuel input 24 - 66 kW
Total efficiency 88 91 % (depending on the return temperature)
Speed range 900 - 2.300 rpm
Engine Kubota industrial engine, 4 cylinders, 2200 cm3
Lean-burn engine, Oxy cat
Return temperature 30 - 85 C
Flow temperature 40 - 95 C
System pressure max. 4,5 bar
Rated Voltage, frequency 400 V, 50 Hz
Operation mode Operation in parallel to the grid, emergency opera-
tion in case of main grid failure, independent
operation
Noise level 60 - 62 dB(A) at 1 meter
Weight incl. control box 720 kg
Dimensions (H x W x L) 150 x 74 x 135 cm
Dimensions control box (H x 55 x 43 x 135 cm
W x L)
Table 8 Logano CHP product series from Buderus company (Source: Buderus Heiztechnik)
CHP Module DN-20 MN-20 DN-50 DN-70 DN-100 TE-150 LE-190 DN-200
Electr. output 18 18 50 70 120 143 190 238
[kW]
Therm. output 34 32 81 115 200 220 290 363
[kW]
Fuel input [kW] 56 54 145 204 350 407 560 667
Electr. effi- 32,1 33,3 34,5 34,3 34,3 35,1 35,5 35,7
ciency [%]
Therm. effi- 60,7 59,3 55,9 56,4 57,1 54,1 51,8 54,4
ciency [%]
Total efficiency 92,9 92,6 90,3 90,7 91,4 89,2 87,3 90,1
[%]
Engine pro- VW VW MAN MAN MAN MAN MAN MAN
ducer
Engine type AEG AEG E 0824 E 0836 E 2876 E 2876 E E 2876 LE E 2842
E E E E
Engine speed 1500 1500 1500 1.500 1500 1500 1500 1500
[1/min]
Characteristics = 1, > 1 lean = 1, = 1, = 1, > 1 lean Lean operation = 1,
three operation three three three operation ~ 1,6 (with turbo three
way (no turbo way way way (incl. biogas charging) (incl. way
catalyst charging) catalyst catalyst catalyst and sew- biogas and catalyst
age) sewage)
18
Table 9 Power plants from Oberdorfer company (Source: Oberdorfer)
OD 70 OD 90 OD 70 PG OD 70 OD 50 BIO OD 150 OD 150

NG NG V02 BIO V01 V03 BIO V01 BIO V03
V02 V02
Fuel Natural Natural LPG Biogas Biogas Biogas Biogas
gas gas
Electrical output [kW] 70 90 70 70 49 98 143
thermal output [kW] 119 136 123 114 90 150 221
Fuel input [kW] 220 270 225 220 17,6 293 416
max. feed temperature 90C 90C 90C 90C 86C 90C 90C
max. return temperature 70C 70C 70C 70C 70C 70C 70C
Electrical efficiency 32% 33,2% 31,3% 32% 29,5% 33,4% 33,4%
Thermal efficiency 54% 50,4% 54,2% 51,8% 54,5% 54,2% 53,9%
Fuel usage 86% 83,6% 85,5% 83,8% 84% 84,7% 87,3%
3 1)
NOx emissions [mg/Nm ] 500 250 250 500 500 500 500
3 1)
CO emissions [mg/Nm ] 650 200 200 650 650 650 1000
Dimensions:
Width [cm] 85 85 85 85
91 110 110
Length [cm] 330 330 330 330
330 360 360
Height [cm] 191 191 191 191
185 230 230
Weight [kg] 2470 2470 2470 2470 2800 4000 4000

All given information is based on full load. 1) Based on 5% O2
Table 10 GE Jenbachers natural gas CHP systems (Natural gas / NOx < 500 mg/Nm3)5
(Source: GE Jenbacher)
Electrical output 1) Thermal output 2) ICWT 3)

50 Hz 60 Hz 50 Hz 60 Hz
kWel kWel kWth kWth C
JMS 208 GS-N.L 330 335 361 409 40
JMS 212 GS-N.L 526 539 633 706 40
JMS 312 GS-N.L 625 633 746 815 40
JMS 316 GS-N.L 836 848 997 1,087 40
JMS 320 GS-N.L 1,065 1,060 1,197 1,322 40
JMS 420 GS-N.L 1,413 1,505 40
JMS 612 GS-N.L 1,644 1,622 1,665 1,685 40
JMS 616 GS-N.L 2,188 2,159 2,249 2,273 40
JMS 620 GS-N.L 3,047 2,991 3,047 3,081 40
1) ISO standard output, at 1.500 rpm/1.800 rpm and standard reference conditions according to
ISO 3046/I-1991; at p.f. = 1.0 according to VDE 0530 REM
2) Total with a tolerance +/- 8 %
3) ICWT = inter cooler water temperature
5 3
Source: Also available in models achieving NOx < 250 mg/Nm .
19
An interesting Japanese product development is Hondas 1 kWel system named Ecowill

mainly used in single-family home applications. If available in Europe, this development
would be also getting deployed in small green lodges. Hondas cogeneration unit combines
the GE160V the worlds smallest natural gas engine with a lightweight generation sys-
tem. The system is based on a = 1 Otto engine, with a three-way catalyst and oxygen
feedback control to reduce the quantity of NOx emissions. Osaka Gas distributes this system
and has already sold more than 30.000 units. [Lit 16] In Figure 13 and Table 11 the technical
characteristics of this system are shown.
Figure 13 Hondas 1 kWel Ecowill micro CHP system (Courtesy of Honda)
Table 11 Characteristics of Hondas Ecowill micro CHP system (Source: [Lit 16])
Gas engine (power Hot water supply and

generation unit) central heating system
utilising waste heat
Power output 1,0 kW Hot water storage 70 C or above
temperature
Thermal output 3,25 kW Hot water storage 150 l
volume
Fuel input 5,54 kW Heating capacity 11 kW or more
Electric system 1 phase, 3 wires, 200 Supplementary boiler 34,9 kW
V/100 V capacity
(50 Hz/60 Hz)
Electrical efficiency 20 % (LHV) Maximum input 43,6 kW
Thermal efficiency 65 % (LHV) Dimensions 185 x 70 x 40 cm
(H x W x L)
Dimensions 88 x 58 x 38 cm Weight 120 kg or less
(H x W x L)
Weight 81 kg Heat utilisation Hot water supply, floor
heating, bathroom heating
and drying, etc.
Noise 44 dB(A) Remote control Furnished with Eco Navi-
gation function
Frequency of Once after 6000
periodic inspections hours of operation (or
3 years)
Other companies from the Asian region offering micro CHP products are Yanmar, Aisin and
Sanyo. From the United States Victor Cogen is also developing a micro CHP system. It is
20
expected that these companies will start to distribute their systems in the next few years in
Europe after having completed their R&D efforts using their home markets.
3.2.2 Stirling Engines

Stirling engines are in between the pilot and demonstration phases and marketing (see also
Figure 1). There are still field trials being carried out; but initial commercial products are
already defined and on the verge of series production. Significant marketing activities could
be achieved by two companies: (i) WhisperTech (New Zealand) and (ii) Solo (Germany).
The New Zealand-based company WhisperTech is developing a stirling engine called Whis-
per Gen, with a capacity of up to 1,2 kWel and 8 kWth of heat (see Figure 14). In the Whis-
perGen power stations, four sets of piston cylinders are put in an axial arrangement. As
stirling engines require very precisely produced components, the scale-up from small scale
to series production presents a considerable challenge. The British utility Powergen, part of
Germanys E.ON, has ordered 80.000 WhisperGen power stations in 2005. At this stage
information about the results of the field tests could not be received by Powergen company.
Figure 14 Whispertechs four cylinder -stirling micro CHP plant (1.2 kWel/4,8 kWth; modulat-
ing system) (Courtesy of WhisperTech)
With respect to systems above of 1 kW electrical capacity, the German companies SOLO,
Mayer&Cie. and Sunmachine have been developing Stirling machines. The Solo engine has
sold around 60 units (including test units) by the end of 2005 in Europe.
Table 12 Technical characteristics of the Solo Stirling 161 microKWK-Modul (Source: Solo)
Fuels Natural gas, LPG

Electrical output 2 - 9,5 kW
Thermal output 8 - 26 kW
Fuel input 16 40 kW
Engine speed 1500 rpm
Electrical efficiency 24 %
(@ 50 100% load)
21
Total efficiency 92 - 96 %
(in condensing mode)
Working gas Helium
Service intervals 5.000 - 8.000 h
Emissions CO 40 60 mg/m3
Emissions NOx 80 - 120 mg/m3
Emissions NMHC max. 2 mg/m3
Dimensions (L x B x H) 128 x 70 x 98 cm
Weight 450 kg
Output and efficiencies are based on flow tempera-
ture of 50 C in the heating system
Figure 15 Solo Stirling 161 microKWK-Modul (Source: Solo)
Other companies developing micro CHP systems based on stirling engines are: MicroGen
(UK), SunMachine (Germany), EnAtEC micro-cogen B.V. (Netherlands), Stirling Systems
(CH), etc. However, the product developments of these companies are still in the R&D
phase. Solo and Sunmachine are also experimenting with wood pellet burners and solar
concentrators.
22
Applications of micro CHP plants (including planning, selection, integration into the heat and
electricity system)
4 Applications of micro CHP plants (including

planning, selection, integration into the heat and
electricity system)
4.1 General
The main potential of micro CHP systems is mainly seen in buildings with central heating
systems. This generally means that conventional heating systems are replaced by electricity
generators with heat exchanger(s), peak load and storage boilers. The produced heat is
used for space and water heating and possibly cooling, the electricity is used within the
building or fed into the grid.
Figure 16 Conceptual visualisation of the application of micro CHP plants (Source: [Lit 2])
In the last few years a trend for the usage of micro CHP units in isolated regions could be
monitored. Especially buildings with no grid connection and/or less reliable electrical energy
supply were using micro CHP systems in connection with battery systems and hot water
tanks. Moreover instead of using diesel as fuel, nowadays environmentally friendly rape oil
and/or biodiesel is used in these micro CHP systems. Especially in ecological sensible
regions like mountains due to reasons of air-, soil- and water/groundwater conservation, etc.
these systems have decisive environmental advantages (especially in case of usage of
natural untreated rape oil).
In the past several studies have been carried-out in order to determine the potential of micro
CHP units in Europe. For example, studies, such as MicroMap ([Lit 2]) see a large potential
for micro CHP plants. They developed scenarios according to which in 2020 some 5 to in
the optimistic scenario 12 million Micro CHP systems could be delivered in Europe, with
United Kingdom, Germany and Netherlands as initial markets. MicroMap concluded that
stirling engines have the highest potential in domestic energy supply. The FutureCogen
project estimated that under optimistic assumptions, up to 50 GWel in EU15 could be in-
stalled ([Lit 5]). The mass market for micro CHP will be mainly seen in the replacement of
gas and oil heating boilers.
23
In spite of the sustainability potential identified above, the European development of micro
CHP systems in competitive markets is rather disenchanting. The large gap between expec-
tations and reality make it important to identify the barriers which are responsible for this
discrepancy. Main reasons are seen in the rather slow technology development, in the
assessment of the economic opportunities, in the political framework, f. ex. the institutional
and regulatory framework, in lacking innovation policies, and consumer acceptance (see
also chapter 5).
As micro CHP systems are not very developed in all European regions/countries participat-
ing in Green Lodges project, the next chapters should provide the project partners with
information and tools to make feasibility studies in their own regions/countries.
The necessary steps for planning of CHP plants are as follows:
Determination of the energy demand
Analysis of the energy costs
Drawing-up of a concept for the selection of the micro CHP system
Concept variations and selection of CHP systems
The final concept and follow-up activities
In this context tables giving additional guidelines to the project partners are also included in
the next sections.
4.2 Procedure for the determination of the energy demand

The determination of the energy demand is a preconditioning step for planning of CHP and
of micro CHP systems. In case of existing energy systems, the electricity and heat consump-
tion can be measured and, after verification, the demand is calculated.
4.2.1 Energy Supply

In order to analyse the energy supply the following procedure is suggested to determine the
energy supply in existing plants: First calculate the energy supply, for example from the
monthly or annual gas and electricity bills and then specify the relevant parameters for the
different types of energy.
Table 13 Analysis of the existing energy demand
Quantity Output Temperature Pressure Heat value Methane

kWh/(HLHV)/a*) kW/(HLHV)/a C bar kWh/(HLHV)/m
3 number
l/a l/a kWh/(HLHV)/l
t/a t/a kWh/(HLHV)/kg
kWhth/a kWth/a
kWhel/a kWel/a
Fuel
Gaseous Type of
gas
Liquid ELFO **)
LFO ***)
24
electricity system)
HFO ****)
Solid Coal/coke
Wood
fuels
Heat Warm
water
Hot water
Steam
Electricity HT *****)
LT *****)
*) Lower Heating Value; **) Extra Light Fuel Oil; ***) Light Fuel Oil; ****) Heavy Fuel Oil;
*****) HT = high tariff, LT = low tariff)
4.2.2 Determination of the energy demand structure for electricity and heat; drawing
up and evaluation of load curves
This step includes the determination of the consumption patterns for electricity and heat
while taking into account physical parameter (required temperature levels, etc.) and the
operational hours. The measurements have to cover representative time periods.
Typical daily/weekly load curves and annual load curves should be determined. In practise,
daily load curves for the heat and electricity demand or heat and electricity generation are
rarely available for the days over a representative period. This means that it is necessary to
determine the demand and generation as realistically as possible on the basis of a few,
typical daily load curves. It will be necessary to assure in each individual case whether that
representative figures are available.
The following periods could be used for the determination of typical daily load curves both for
heat and electricity:
Heat demand including hot water supply (five daily load curves)
winter (October to February), differentiated according to overcast and hotter days
transitional (March, April, May, September), differentiated according to overcast and

hotter days
summer (June, July, August)
Electricity demand (four daily load curves)
winter tariff period (e.g. October to February), differentiated according to workdays,

Sundays and bank holidays
summer tariff period (e.g. March to September), differentiated according to workdays,

Sundays and bank holidays.
A more detailed understanding of the requirements for heat and electricity may be obtained
by analyzing additional typical daily load curves. The identification of typical daily load curves
has to be undertaken with caution. For example, the typical load curve for a winters working
day should be one which is representative for all 125 working days!
25
The heat demand should be covered by the heat generated by the micro CHP plant system
and, when applicable, by the additional installed boiler. While the electricity demand should
be covered by the electricity generated by the micro CHP plant system, when applicable
supplemented by additional electricity from the grid and/or other systems (other generators,
batteries, etc.). An example of a yearly load curve is shown in Figure 17.
Figure 17 Example of an annual load duration curve of the heat demand (Source: Lit 27])
The rectangels present thermal power ranges that could be delivered by micro CHP systems (continuous lines with
6.500 hours; interrupted lines with 3.500 hours). The areas in which the heat generation of the CHP is above the
heat demand curve corresponds to the charging time of the storage tanks (normally part of the CHP system). These
operations can extend the operation times of the micro CHP plants.
4.3 Analysis of actual energy costs

The costs of energy supply are determined from the annual accounts or from multiplications
of quantities and outputs with the relevant prices (see Table 14).
Table 14 Energy costs
Power generation costs Output costs Total costs

/a /a /a
Fuel
Gaseous Type of gas:
Liquid ELFO *)
LFO **)
HFO ***)
Solid Coal/coke
Wood fuels
Heat
Electricity
*) Extra Light Fuel Oil; **) Light Fuel Oil, ***) Heavy Fuel Oil
26
electricity system)
It is preferable to know how the individual types of energy are used both in terms of quanti-
ties, outputs, temporal usage (= load curve) and temperature levels (particularly return
temperature). If no data are available, measurements could be taken over representative
periods to overcome these knowledge gaps.
In case of larger buildings (f. ex. hotels, hospitals, etc. ) with more complex energy systems
plans for the different types of energy with details of the supply and extraction points, the
dimensions, the pressure and temperature zones should be available or drawn up. An en-
ergy flow diagram helps furthermore to avoid multiple accounting and misinterpretations.
Table 15 Energy systems/structure
Plan Dimension Feed-in point Extraction point

Electricity
Heat
Steam
Cold
Possible energy saving measures should be identified (as done in WP1 of green lodges
project). Furthermore changes in the future energy demand (f. ex. due to renovations, ex-
pansions, etc.) should also be taken into account. The energy demand corrected by the
energy saving and the anticipated demand should be taken into account in the future de-
mand structure (corrected load curves).
Table 16 Anticipated future energy demand structure
Quantity Output Temperature Pressure Operating time/

kWhel/a kWel C bar load curve
kWhth/a kWth
kWhC/a kWC
Electricity
Heat
Steam
Cooling energy
4.4 Drawing up a concept for the selection of CHP plants

For the selection of applicable CHP systems a concept has to be drawn-up in order to meet
the required energy demand of the building. At this stage it should be mentioned that CHP
systems are generally equipped with a peak load boiler or a supplementary storage boiler to
guarantee the heat supply (see Figure 18 showing the basic scheme of storage tank integra-
tion by series connection of CHP and boiler). Typical volumes of storage boilers in compari-
son of the thermal power output of CHP systems are listed in Table 17.
27
Figure 18 Basic scheme of storage tank integration by series connection of CHP and boiler
(Source: Lit 27])
Table 17 Typical volumes of storage tanks in comparison of the thermal power output of
CHP systems (Source: Lit 27])
CHP CHP CHP CHP CHP

Size 1 Size 2 Size 3 Size 4 Size 5
Thermal power output [kW] 12,5 32 100 194 378

Storage tank - volume [l]6 540 1380 4300 8340 16250
The concept for selecting a CHP system includes the following steps:
4.4.1 Choice of type, size and number of CHP systems

The selection made for the CHP system (see Table 18) should ensure that the physical and
technical requirements as outlined in Table 16 will be fulfilled. Attention should be given
to available fuels and their conditions (f. ex. gas pressure, methane number, etc.).
Table 18 Selection of CHP system
CHP plant
Model Type
Output
electrical kWel
6
Temperature difference: T = 30 K, 2/3 of the storage volume can be used for one full load hour.
28
electricity system)
thermal from kWth Useful Flow Return

temperature:
Exhaust gas kWth C
Cooling water kWth C
Engine oil kWth C
Charge air kWth C
total kWth
Fuel requirement kW(HLHV)
Operative principle Methane

number demand
Spark-ignition gas engine
Diesel engine
Diesel/gas engine
Gas turbine
other
Supercharging
Fuel Methane Gas pressure

number supply:
Natural gas
LPG
Landfill gas
Sewage gas
Other types of gas
ELFO/diesel fuel **)

Other
Exhaust gas cleaning

procedure
Lean-burn engine
3-way catalyst
SCR
Oxi-cat
other
*) Lower Heating Value; **) Extra Light Fuel Oil; ***) Heavy Fuel Oil; ****) HT = high tariff, LT = low tariff)
4.4.2 Load curves for electricity and heat generation by the CHP system
The load curves for electricity and heat production by the CHP system should by drawn up
and compared/adapted to meet the load curves of the future energy demand (see Table 16).
4.4.3 Determination of the operation mode

Depending upon the requirements CHP systems may be operated using different types of
operating modes (electricity and/or head-driven). Time-variant operation modes may be
29
implemented by means of an energy management system which selects the optimum oper-
ating mode for the specific requirements. This should already be considered in the early
planning phase.
Heat-driven operation mode
The controlling variable for the operation of the CHP system is in this operation mode always
the heat demand. The electricity generated has to be supplied (for own use or to be fed into
the grid). The CHP system may be supported by additional boilers in order to cover the heat
requirements.
Electricity-driven operation mode
For this operation mode the electricity demand is the controlling variable for the power output
from the CHP system. Principally there are two operation modes possible:
(i) When working in parallel with other systems, the CHP system supplies the consumers
until it reaches its maximum electrical output. Extra requirements are covered by the
public grid.
(ii) When working independently, the CHP system (very often in combination with a battery
system) has to cover the consumers demand on its own.
(iii) By taking additional measures the CHP system may also be used as stand-by power
supply system.
The thermal energy which is produced simultaneously by the CHP system should be used as
good as possible, where appropriate heat storage tanks or other measures may be used for
heat storage.
Combined operation modes
It is also possible to apply combined operating modes, for example:
(a) Heat driven with peak-electricity function,
(b) Maximum electricity and/or heat demand
(c) Minimum electricity and/or heat demand
In order to achieve an optimum match with demand and supply it is possible to implement
several operation modes. The selection of the most favourable operation mode should be
determined by economic criteria.
4.4.4 Energy balances for electricity and heat

The energy balances and the operational period should be determined on the basis of the
future energy demand structure (see Table 16), the CHP generation structure (see Table 18)
and considering which types of the energy demand should be covered by the CHP system.
30
electricity system)
Table 19 Energy balances
Module characteristics
Model Type Quantity
Module output
Electrical
Thermal When t =
Fuel requirements
Electricity balance
Demand CHP system Supplementary Surplus Utilization period
generation demand
kWhel/a kWhel/a kWhel/a kWhel/a h/a
Thermal balance
Demand CHP system Supplementary Surplus Utilization period
generation demand
kWhth/a kWhth/a kWhth/a kWhth/a h/a
4.4.5 Consideration of legal and environmental regulations for installation and

operation of CHP systems
For the operation of a CHP system regional and national regulations (varying from country to
country and region to region) governing energy matters have to be followed. These are:
Imission and emission laws,

directives/regulations on the parallel operation of generation plants with the low
voltage networks of the electrical utility companies
water pollution laws,
laws on energy taxes,
safety requirements,
provisions and conditions issued by local energy utility companies,
other
4.5 Concept variations and selection of CHP systems
4.5.1 General
Different selections and quotations for installation modules may influence the technological
and economic outcome of the feasibility and planning concepts.
The economic and ecological optimum should be determined by varying the module size and
module number of the CHP system. The results of the energy balances may be used as a
basis for evaluating the economic efficiency.
31
4.5.2 Methods for evaluating economic efficiency

Although compliance with the legal conditions should be ensured during the compilation of
the different concepts, one of the most essential selection criteria to take into account is the
economic efficiency of the plants. The basis of every evaluation of economic efficiency is a
precise determination of costs and revenue or avoided costs.7
The most significant factors to take into account are the investment costs, the operation and
maintenance costs and profits. Furthermore the tariffs for electricity, for fuel and heat appli-
cable for every alternative (energy price, capacity charge, LT, HT8, demand, purchase price,
feed-in price) and the energy balance meeting the daily and annual load curves (full load
hours) for electricity and heat play a significant role in the economics.
The evaluation of the economic efficiency of CHP systems may be performed using familiar
methods used in investment mathematics. Preference should be given to the following
methods:
(i) the annuity method,

(ii) the net present value method,
(iii) internal rate of return method.
By using the annuity method (with reference to VDI 2067 Part 7 [Lit 12] and Part 1 [Lit 11])
the annual capital costs are calculated from the investments determined on the basis of an
interest rate fixed with the owner and the corresponding period of use using the subsequent
annuity. The annual costs are added up and the value of the electricity generation is sub-
tracted to produce the annual costs of heat production or the specific costs of heat produc-
tion for each individual variant (in case of calculating the specific costs for electricity the
value of heat is subtracted). However, this calculation is based on the assumption of con-
stant, annual flow of funds. Price increases, and particularly the different price increases for
individual types of energy, are not taken into consideration.
The net present value method is used to calculate the present value of an investment. This
is made up of the difference between all discounted cash outflow costs and inflows at a
specific point in time. This method may also take price increases into consideration. The
trend of the net present value over the years of useful life shows both the payback period
and the profit at the end of the useful period. The payback period which reflects the time
between the time of investment and the time at which the capital investment is recovered
provides information of economic efficiency and is also an important parameter for assessing
the financial risk. The shorter the payback period, the lower is the risk of the investment.
Both the information on the risk and details of the achievable profit are helpful when select-
ing a suitable concept.
The internal rate of return method calculates the actual percentage rate of return on the
capital investment. A comparison between the calculated internal rate of return and a pre-
7
For detailed information concerning the economic efficiency of building installations see also VDI 2067, Part 1 and
7 [Lit 9], [Lit 10].
8
LT and HT are the abbreviations for low and high tariff.
32
electricity system)
set, internal calculation rate may be used for an investment appraisal. This method can also
take price increases into account. It may be helpful to use a sensitivity analysis when evalu-
ating future economic development, for example, price increases. The variation of individual
influential factors within a feasible, apparently realistic bandwidth reveals their effect on the
economic efficiency of the plant.
Even though the economic efficiency of a concept for CHP systems is an important criterion
in the selection procedure, it is also necessary to take into account other arguments like
reliability of the supply, emissions (f. ex. noise, emissions, etc.) produced by the individual
concept, construction requirements, etc.
4.5.3 Investment costs

During the first rough evaluations of economic efficiency, specific investment figures for the
CHP system referring to the installed energy outputs are useful. To determine these costs, it
is necessary to obtain precise data from manufacturers regarding the costs of the compo-
nents listed in the next table. For the average price levels of CHP plants see Figure 25 in
Section 3.1.1; for supplier information reference is given in Annex 7.1 and 7.2).
Table 20 Investment costs
Position Plant Investment ()

Nr.
1 CHP System
Module/quantity
Electrical switch gears
Lubricant supply/disposal
Exhaust gas system
Emergency cooler
Ventilation system
Integration
Electricity
Fuel
Heat
Water
Miscellaneous
2 Peak load boiler and or storage
boiler(s)
3 Water treatment
4 Fuel supply
5 Water supply
6 Transformer
7 Process automatic
8 Remote control technology
9 Chimneys
CHP System
Peak load boiler
33
10 Constructions/foundations
CHP module(s)
Peak Load boiler
Chimney(s)
11 Building
12 Sound proofing
13 Estate
14 Planning costs
15 Delivery
16 Approval costs
17 Acceptance costs
4.5.4 Fuel consumption costs

Taking into account the kind and quantity of fuel the prices in case of several suppliers
have to be compared. In case of natural gas as fuel the energy costs are very often a combi-
nation of a demand charge (basic charge) and a running charge. Advantageously the prices
are referred to the lower heating value (Hi).
4.5.5 Operation and maintenance costs

Information has to be requested on the costs of maintenance, repair, and supervision (see
also Figure 3 in Section 3.1.1.2). Confirmation by suppliers and/or operators of comparable
plants is necessary. Any costs which accrue in the period of observation for general over-
hauls or partial renovation should be taken into account. The different maintenance concepts
ranging from routine maintenance to full maintenance concepts ranging from routine mainte-
nance to full maintenance should be subject to a comparative evaluation.
4.5.6 Simplified examples for the economics of micro- and mini CHP plants
In this section simplified examples of the economics of micro- and mini CHP plants are
introduced. Three typical micro-/mini CHP plants fuelled with natural gas and with an electri-
cal power output of < 100 kW have been taken into account as typical examples for possible
applications in small and medium sized hotels (green lodges). These are: (i) the low NOx 5,0
kWel micro CHP plant from Senertec company, and (ii) the 70 and 90 kWel mini-CHP plants
from Oberdorfer Kraft-Wrme-Kopplung GmbH in Austria. Furthermore a 60 kWel micro gas
turbine from Capstone packaged by G.A.S. company in Germany was also included. The
data sets used for the economic analysis are summarized in Table 21.
Table 21 Parameters for the economic analysis (Source: Austrian Energy Agency)
Unit ICE 5,0 kW ICE 70 kW ICE 90 kW Micro gas

turbine 60 kW
Electr. Output kW 5,0 70 90 60
Therm. Output kW 11,7 118,3 147 145
Electr. Efficiency % 26 32 33 26
Therm. Efficiency % 61 54 54 63
34
electricity system)
Price 13.500 78.000 91.000 101.000

Maintenance costs
-Cents/kWh 2,0 1,8 1,7 1,0
(Full Service Contract)
Life time Years 15 15 15 10 *)
Interest rate % 6 6 6 6
Fuel costs for
-Cents/kWh 3,5 3,1 3,1 3,1
natural gas
*) Because of missing experience for the micro gas turbine a life time of 10 years was assumed.
Figure 19 gives an overview of payback periods for four micro-/mini-CHP plants as function
of full load hours in possible green lodges projects. Because of the lower specific invest-
ment and maintenance costs of larger CHP systems (f. ex. the 70 kWel and 90 kWel CHP
plants) the payback periods of the larger ones are much lower than for the 5 kW unit. Pro-
jects with 4000 to 4500 full load hours can achieve payback periods of < 5 years. For micro
CHP systems longer pay back periods have to be accepted. Any decrease of costs (f. ex. in
form of subsidies, low integration costs, etc.) improve the payback periods significantly.
20
18 ICE 5,0 kW
Micro GT 60kW
16
ICE 70 kW
ICE 90 kW
Payback period [Years]
14
12
10
0
1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000
Full load hours [h]
Figure 19 Dependency of the return on investment upon the achieved full load hours
(Source: Austrian Energy Agency)
When implementing a concrete project the cost effectiveness of the project has to be ana-
lysed by using sensitivity analysis. In Figure 20 a sensitivity analysis was carried involving
the 90 kWel system. The base case (with 5000 full load operating hours) involves the 90 kWel
CHP plant with the parameters introduced in Table 21 and in Figure 19.
Both the fuel price and the full load hours have the biggest influence on the payback period
of the project. If the full load hours increase by 10 % the pay back period will improve to 3,3
years (from 3,7 years). On the opposite if the full load hours decrease by 10 %, the pay back
period will increase by 4,2 years. Similar effects have an increase of the fuel prices by 10 %.
In this case the payback period increases by around 20 % (from 3,7 years to 4,4 years). A
35
decrease of the natural gas price of 10 % also has the effect that the payback period de-
creases by 14 % (to 3,2 years).
8,0
Fuel price
Investment costs
7,0
Full load hours
Payback period [Years]
6,0
5,0
4,0
3,0
2,0
70% 80% 90% 100% 110% 120% 130%
Parameter variation
Figure 20 Parameter variation of the fuel prices, the investment costs and the full load hours
Base case: 90 kWel CHP micro CHP plant, 5000 full load hours, other parameters: see Table
21 (Source: Austrian Energy Agency)
4.6 The final concept and follow-up activities

The final concept should be selected taking into account the different analysed alternative
solutions and the economic efficiency of each alternative (using Table 18 and Table 19).
Beside of the several technical and economical issues special consideration should be given
to integration aspects:
4.6.1 Integration into the heat distribution system (heat driven operation mode)
The micro CHP gets installed like any additional boiler. The return flow temperature should
be as low as possible (< 70 C) and the micro CHP should take priority over the boiler (base
load) to achieve a long operation time and to keep the pulse rate as low as possible. The
priority operation of the micro CHP is ensured by the central control unit.
Because the micro CHP is only designed for the thermal part load; the additional installed
boilers have a higher thermal output. Furthermore it is recommended to equip the boilers
with modulating burners in order to avoid high temperature changes in the return flow of the
heating system.
Generally the hydraulic integration should be cost-efficient and safe to operate. In case of
already existing heating systems bigger reconstructions should be avoided. Important criteria
for the hydraulic integration of the micro CHP system are:
36
electricity system)
State of repair of the heating system and of the control system

Operation temperature of flow and return flow
Circulating water amount and size of the circulation pump
Space conditions
Basically there are two ways of hydraulic integration of micro CHP plant and boiler: (i) the
series connection and (ii) the parallel integration.
4.6.1.1 Series connection

Series connection means that the CHP is connected to the main return flow of the heating
system. The CHP receives the return flow prior to the boiler (see Figure 21). The CHP takes
a part of the return flow at the connection point A and raises the temperature. In point B this
water gets injected in the main return flow again. This causes a temperature rise of the boiler
return flow. If necessary the boiler increases the water temperature to the desired flow
temperature.
It is advisable to install a boiler by-pass line to avoid a flow through the boiler if the boiler
isnt needed (off-peak periods). Experience of the past could show that the series connection
is very safe to operate and long CHP operation periods can be achieved.
Figure 21 Basic scheme of series connection of Micro CHP and boiler (Source: Lit 27])
4.6.1.2 Parallel integration

The parallel integration of boiler and CHP gets used for very low return flow temperatures
(e.g. in case of condensing boilers). The parallel integration is used for bigger CHP units and
more complex heating systems.
In case of the parallel integration the water of the return flow is distributed proportional to the
performance of the individual system (a higher performance of every individual system can
be reached). To avoid any adverse effects by flow rate changes it is advisable to decouple
37
heat generators (primary side) and heat consumers (secondary side) by a compensating line
(hydraulic switch).
Figure 22 Basic scheme of parallel integration of Micro CHP and boiler (Source: Lit 27])
4.6.1.3 Control system and integration

Basically a module control unit is used for the operation of the CHP. The module control is
an integral part of the CHP system and included in the delivery. This unit takes over all
necessary control functions.
The essentially features of the module control are:
Engine management system (performance control)

grid and generator monitoring (incl. synchronisation, frequency and performance con-
trol)
waste gas purification control
emergency shut down
If the CHP system is only equipped with a module control the CHP operates till the tempera-
ture of the return flow passes the desired flow temperature (f. ex. approx. 70 C).
Usually the heat demand is covered by a CHP unit and a peak load boiler. For this reason a
central control unit for the whole system is necessary.
The following tasks have to be carried-out by the central control system:
Guarantee of a continuous CHP operation (reducing the CHP start-ups to a minimum)

Maximum operation time of the CHP
Charge and discharge of the storage tank (if available)
38
electricity system)
To reduce the start-ups and maximise the operation time the CHP has to take priority over
the boiler. First the central control system switches on the CHP modules (in case of installa-
tion of multiple modules) and if the heat demand is still raising the installed boilers gets
switched on sequential. The switching should be almost stepless or in continuous form in
order to provide the appropriate heat demand.
Basically there has to be differed between the integration of a control system
into a new heating system, or

into an already existing heating system.
4.6.2 Integration into the electric distribution system

The nature of the integration or the planned mode of operation is decisive when selecting the
generators and the electrical equipment.
The following types are possible:
Operation of systems in parallel connection to the public grid with the same voltage
and same frequency; asynchronous or synchronous generators may be used
Independent operation no connection to the public grid; only synchronous generators
may be used
Emergency operation if required, this may be an emergency standby in case of main
failure; synchronous generators are required.
4.6.2.1 Technical and organisational rules for the operation of micro CHP systems in
parallel with the grid
In Austria the basic technical framework for the integration of decentralised energy resources
is defined by the Technical and organisational rules for operators and users of transmission
and distribution networks (TOR) as part of the ElWOG the Austrian Electricity Act (see
Table 22). The TOR represent the national grid code and the TOR is also part of the so
called Market rules for the liberalised electricity market, which have a special legal status,
similar to a law.
Table 22 Austrian market rules for the liberalised electrcity market (Source: [Lit 25])
Issued by/responsible
Last
Document title Abstract Technical Committee
revision
(TC)
ELWOG 2002 This law implements the EU electric- Ministry of Economy and
Elektrizittswirtschafts- 2004 ity directive and regulates the Labour Section Energy
und Organisationsgesetz liberalised Electricity market in
(Electricity Act) Austria
The first edition of the TOR was published in 2001, following the opening of the electricity
market, by E-Control Ltd. the official body responsible for the monitoring of the liberalised
energy market in Austria. In this function E-Control also coordinates the development of the
national grid code. Meanwhile, several parts were updated and adapted to the latest devel-
opments.
39
Out of the 6 main parts of the TOR, there are 2 documents which are of special relevance for
DG and grid connection. The first one TOR D2 describes procedures for the assessment of
network interferences and states limits for the permissible impact. Although it is primarily
dedicated to the assessment of loads, there is a special section that provides guidelines for
the treatment of generators.
Parallel operation issues like installation, protection devices, voltage control and others are
covered by the TOR D4 (Parallel operation of generation units connected to distribution
networks). This document is rather less detailed and contains more basic guidelines for
DNOs9 than specific requirements. These specific requirements are laid down by the DNOs
themselves, based on the local grid situation and the capacity and technology of the distrib-
uted generator.
Table 23 Austrian national grid-code (Source: [Lit 25])
Last Issued by
Document title Abstract
revision /responsible TC
TOR Technische und Various dates The TOR series of documents Energie-Control
organisatorische Regeln fr represent the national grid code. This GmbH (Austrian
Betreiber und Benutzer von series consists of 6 parts which cover regulator), Working
bertragungs- und Verteiler- almost all issues related to the group TOR, experts
netzen gem ELWOG technical and organisational operation from E-Control,
(General technical and of electricity grids. For DG, two parts DNOs and Austrian
organisational rules for are relevant, Part D2 (grid interference Utility Association
operators and users of and PQ) and D4 (grid-interconnection
transmission and distribution of DG)
grids according to the
Austrian electricity act
(ELWOG))
TOR Part D2 Recommen- 01.06.2004 General guidelines for the assessment Energie-Control
dations for the assessment of of grid interference caused by equip- GmbH (Austrian
network interferences ment connection of power supply regulator), Working
TOR D2: 2004 systems. Section 9 provides special group TOR, experts
guidelines for the assessment of from E-Control,
impacts caused by DG units. DNOs and Austrian
Utility Association
TOR Part D4 Parallel 2001 Technical rules for the grid intercon- Energie-Control
operation of generation units nection and operation of DG units in GmbH (Austrian
connected to distribution parallel with the distribution grid. regulator), Working
networks group TOR, experts
TOR D4: 2001 from E-Control,
DNOs and Austrian
Utility Association
Concerning the international cogeneration standards the draft EN 50438 Requirements for
the connection of micro-cogenerators in parallel with public low voltage distribution networks
is of special interest. With this draft international harmonisation requirements for the connec-
tion of micro CHP systems operating in parallel with public low-voltage distribution networks
get created.
9
Distribution Network Operators
40
electricity system)
Table 24 International cogeneration standards (Source: [Lit 27])
Technical
Standard no. Stage Standard
Committee
IEEE 502 Published IEEE Guide for Protection, Interlocking and Control of
Fossil-Fuelled Unit-Connected Steam Stations
UL 2200 Published STANDARD FOR SAFETY Stationary Engine genera-
tor Assemblies
PrEN 50438 Draft CLC/TC8X WG 2 Requirements for the connection of micro-
cogenerators in parallel with public low-voltage
distribution networks
4.6.3 Planning of a stand alone power supply system

For a stand alone power supply system basically the following unit parts are required:
Batteries
inverters
micro CHP
battery management system
storage tank
cooling unit
The stand alone system has to be adapted to the thermal and electrical demand of the
object. Basically a stand alone power supply can be designed for the usage of
multiple CHPs in parallel

CHP and boilers in parallel to cover the thermal peak load or
a combination of CHP and other RES systems
The stand alone micro CHP supplies buildings with electricity by means of a battery and
three one-phase inverters to build up a three phase supply network. An additional inverter is
recommended to guarantee the supply. If the batteries are charged, the continuous power
output of the inverters has to guarantee constant electrical power supply. When the micro
CHP is in operation, the power output of the micro CHP and the permanent power of the
inverters sum up to supply the total available power. When the micro CHP is not in operation
the total supply period is determined by the battery capacity and depends on the total con-
sumption. How much of the heat requirement can be covered by the micro CHP depends on
the chosen hydraulic connection.
Additionally a battery management system is recommended by most of the suppliers. These

management systems guarantee the special operation procedures of the batteries resulting
in improved life times. In case that the produced electrical energy cannot be used by any
consumers or stored in the batteries the energy will be used by an electrical heating element
in order to produce hot water in the buffer boiler. The boiler stores also the produced thermal
energy that is not used. In case that the thermal energy is both not used and cannot be
stored in the boiler it is cooled away.
It is worth mentioning that the maximum rated electrical output of the CHP unit decreases
with increasing sea level. Standard levels of this power loss are listed in the next table.
41
Table 25 Rated output dependend on sea level (Source: [Lit 27])
Rated output [kW] 5,5 5,0 4,5 4,0

Corresponds to sea level [m] Up to Up to Up to Up to
1000 1500 2000 2500
The following figure shows an example of the electrical integration of a stand alone micro
CHP.
Figure 23 Block diagram of a stand alone grid (Source: [Lit 27])
Generally, a battery capacity is dimensioned for the electric base load (1/3 to 1/4 of the peak
load). The electric peak has to be covered by the CHP. Standard values for selecting the
battery size are listed in Table 26.
Table 26 Standard values for selecting the battery size (Source: [Lit 27])
Average electri- Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to Above

cal consumption 15 kWh 20 kWh 30 kWh 50 kWh 70 kWh 90 kWh 90 kWh
in kWh per day
Minimum size of 420 Ah 490 Ah 600 Ah 800 Ah 1000 Ah 1200 Ah 1500 Ah
the battery in Ah and more
at a battery
system voltage of
48 V
A battery with a larger capacity than necessary can reduce the charging/discharging cycles
and increase the battery life. Also if a larger energy demand (exceeding the output of the
42
electricity system)
CHP) occurs over a long period of time (more than two hours) a larger battery should be
selected.
The next table gives an overview about standard values for the time period until next re-
charging (charging level < rated value) and the possible supply time for the different battery
sizes (based on lead acid batteries) depending on the average connected consumption
when the CHP unit is not in operation.
Table 27 Standard values for selecting the battery size (Source: [Lit 27])
Battery voltage Battery Average Estimated time Possible supply

capacity consumption period until time in hours
[kW] recharging (battery is fully
[hours] charged) [hours]
48 V 420 Ah 0,5 6,5 24
1,0 3,5 13
2,0 2 6,5
4,0 1 2,5
6,0 0,5 1
48 V 600 Ah 0,5 9,5 35
1,0 5,5 19
2,0 3 10
4,0 1,5 4
6,0 1 2
48 V 800 Ah 0,5 13 48
1,0 7 26
2,0 4 14
4,0 2 6
6,0 1,2 3,5
48 V 1000 Ah 0,5 16 57
1,0 9 29
2,0 5 16
4,0 2,5 8
6,0 1,5 4,5
4.6.4 Hydraulic integration for off-grid operation

In general the system needs to be equipped with a storage tank (capacity at least 500 l). The
storage tank stores the heat generated during the electricity generation. The heat can later
be used for domestic hot tap water and for heating purposes.
For guaranteed power generation the increase of the return flow temperature must be limited
by suitable means (if the heat consumption of the building is too low). The emergency cool-
ing unit always has to be installed in the return flow of the micro CHP. If heating plates are
used to lead off heat it is optimal to use them as good as possible for example in a drying
room. If a swimming pool is used as emergency cooling the excess heat can also be led into
the pool by means of heat exchangers.
43
If a heat driven operation mode is applied to the building, an additional heat generator (elec-
trical heating device or boiler) is compulsory.
As follows three possible cases for the hydraulic integration of stand alone micro CHPs are
shown:
1. Hydraulic connection primarily for electricity generation: The micro CHP is only op-
erated according to the criteria of electricity generation. In general the micro CHP
system is controlled by the battery management system. If no cold start device10 is
required, there is also no additional electrical heating device necessary.
Figure 24 Example of a hydraulic connection for electricity generation

(Source: [Lit 27])
2. Hydraulic integration in the case of heat and power generation with electrical heating
device: The micro CHP operates according to the criteria of power generation as
well as heat generation. If no cold start device is necessary the electrical heating de-
vice should be installed in the storage tank. If an emergency cooling is necessary it
has to be installed in the return flow of the micro CHP.
10
By continuous temperated system no cold start system is necessary. In case of Senertecs model Dachs WRA a
cold start system is recommended at temperatures below 5 C.
44
electricity system)
Figure 25 Example of a hydraulic integration for heat and power generation including
electrical heating (Source: [Lit 27])
3. Hydraulic integration with additional boiler: The micro CHP operates only according
to the criteria of power generation. In this case the boiler has to cover the basic heat
demand of the building.
Figure 26 Example of a hydraulic integration including an additional boiler

(Source: [Lit 27])
45
5 Barriers for the further introduction of micro CHP

systems
There are a number of likely barriers to the widespread deployment of micro CHP technolo-
gies. Differentiations of these barriers result in three groups. These are:
cost constraints the lack of demand for micro generation technologies has restricted
the extent to which the industry has been able to exploit scale economies and learning
effects in their production. Combined with the infancy of the industry and the significant
expenditure on R&D associated with product development this means that the costs of these
products are currently very high and act as an economic barrier to their uptake.
information constraints inadequate promotion and provision of information on micro

generation, and the lack of a widely understood accreditation system for products and in-
stallers, reduces the incentive for consumers to purchase micro generation products due to
insufficient signals regarding the quality and characteristics of these products; and
technical constraints the lack of metering arrangements that meet the needs associ-
ated with the management of electricity distribution and the needs of the consumer, and the
lack of a comprehensive approach to dealing with the issues surrounding the connection of
micro generators to the distribution network, constitute barriers of a technical nature that
could be preventing take-up of micro generation technologies.
As already outlined in section 4.1 the main target market for micro CHP is the domestic
mass market within the European Union as a replacement for conventional gas and oil
boilers with central heating systems. The MicroMap project [Lit 2] reported that 80% of
replacement/upgrade boiler purchases are estimated to be distressed purchases i.e. where
the existing boiler breaks down and a replacement is required at short notice as the buildings
owner has no heating and/or hot water.
These circumstances mean that the whole process for replacing a boiler with a micro CHP
must be both simple and quick. Customers will not choose micro CHP systems if there is any
scope for delay, additional network costs or any additional paperwork. It is essential, there-
fore, that procedures adopt a plug and play approach.
Micro CHP units are similar in size to other buildings appliances. Their electrical output is
equivalent to the load of their appliances and therefore these appliances can be considered
as negative loads.
The impact of a micro CHP unit on the low voltage network is minute and there is no need
for any additional works outside the domestic premises. A study recently funded by the UK
government [Lit 24] and conducted in co-operation with electricity distribution companies has
concluded that existing distribution networks could accommodate up to a 50% penetration of
all households with micro CHP before there is any noticeable impact on the electricity net-
works.
For this reason there is principally no need for distribution network operators (DNO) to re-
ceive prior notification of installation, though notification after installation is necessary in
order to allow DNOs to track the long-term trends of micro CHP penetration and plan ahead
46
Barriers for the further introduction of micro CHP systems
for any necessary network reinforcements. This is clearly not the case for larger units where
the impact on the network does indeed warrant prior notification to the DNO and may involve
additional works to be undertaken.
Because micro CHPs target at the mass market, individual certification and testing of each
customers installation by the DNO is neither possible nor necessary. Therefore a type-
certified approach, where the quality of the appliance is already guaranteed by CE-marking,
is required. Again, this necessitates a different approach for micro CHP than for larger sys-
tems.
Recognising the specific requirements for micro CHP in 2001 work started on standardisa-
tion of the electrical interface between the unit and the low voltage network. At the European
level CEN11 created a Workshop Agreement on this area and this was completed and pub-
lished by CEN and the National Standards Bodies in February 2003.
Following the completion of the CWA, the work on standardisation was moved to Cenelec for
the development of a European Norm. This work started in February 2003 and is ongoing.
The work is undertaken under the auspices of Cenelec technical committee TC8X WG212.
In parallel, some Member States have been developing their own regulations for the installa-
tion of micro CHP. The UK has already brought forward related changes in legislation, and
published engineering recommendations in this area. Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands
and Austria are also developing regulatory and pseudo-regulatory changes in this area.
Both European and some national standards for the connection of small-scale embedded
generators are developing fast (these are generally up to 16 amps per phase, but in some
countries higher ratings are permitted) in parallel with public low voltage distribution net-
works. There have also been related changes to statutory requirements. This recommenda-
tion adopts the plug and play approach i.e. the installation of a single micro co-generation
unit within a single customers installation can be connected in parallel with the public distri-
bution network without the prior permission of the local DNO. The installer is required to
provide the DNO with information on the installation once commissioned.
There is a need for a harmonised approach at EU level because there is a danger that each
country, or region within a country, will develop differing standards, or guidelines, or it will be
left to DNOs to develop individual requirements. This will create distortions between Member
States, limit trade, the size of the potential market and in some domains be a barrier to entry
(see also Lit 29).
Moreover, the continued presence of vertical integration in the electricity industry in some
Member States creates poor incentives for utilities to accommodate highly energy efficient
measures such as micro CHP. These poor incentives are amplified by the direct and active
involvement of some electricity companies in the development of their own micro CHP
11
CEN is the abbreviation for European Committee for Standardization.
12
Draft Cenelec standard prEN50438: Requirements for the connection of micro-generators in parallel with public
low-voltage distribution networks.
47
products. For example, a DNO could, through administrative burden, make it difficult for a
competitors micro CHP product to be connected, and allow much easier passage for the
micro CHP technology in which it holds a direct commercial or financial interest.
Apart from the technological potential, from private and social costs, corporate strategies and
consumer acceptance, the further implementation of micro CHP systems is importantly
influenced by the institutional structures. Institutions guide the strategies of different actors,
producers, consumers and regulators in choosing or not choosing micro CHP systems.
Institutions here are defined as the social rules that enable or constrain action by setting
incentives, providing orientation or prescribing or forbidding specific behaviour. The next
figure shows an exemplaric institutional setting for the deployment of micro CHPs in Ger-
many.
Figure 27 Exemplaric institutional setting for micro CHP in Germany [Lit 1]
48
Summary
6 Summary
The project Green Lodges aims at promoting and facilitating RES heat & electricity applica-
tions (biomass, solar & micro CHP mainly) in rural lodges, usually located in areas with high
environmental value. D8 report as first deliverable of work package 3 delivers information
regarding the state of the art of micro CHP systems. All kind of CHP applications and tech-
nologies below of 1 MWel (internal combustion engines, diesel engines, stirling engines,
micro gas turbines, ORC plants, fuel cells, etc) using different energy sources (like gas, fuel
oil, rape oil/biodiesel, biogas, etc) were considered. Described products are either already
available commercially or they are close to market entry. The focus of the analysis was on
micro CHP units up to an electrical output of 50 kW following the current definition outlined in
the CHP directive.
Micro CHP products are typically run as heating appliances, providing space heating and
warm water in residential or commercial buildings like conventional boilers. But unlike a
boiler, micro CHP systems generate electricity and heat at very high-efficiencies and there-
fore help to save fuel, cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduce electricity costs. Most units
operate in grid-parallel mode, so that the building continues to receive some of its electrical
needs from the electrical network, but it may also export some electricity to the network.
Cooling applications based on micro CHP and absorption systems still need major R&D
efforts to introduce them in competing markets.
In the last few years a trend for the usage of micro CHP units in isolated regions could be
monitored. Especially buildings with no grid connection and/or less reliable electrical energy
supply were using micro CHP systems in connection with battery systems and hot water
storage tanks. Moreover instead of using diesel/light fuel oil as fuel, nowadays environmen-
tally friendly rape oil and/or biodiesel is used in these micro CHP systems. Especially in
ecological sensible regions like mountains due to reasons of air-, soil- and wa-
ter/groundwater conservation, etc. these systems have decisive environmental advantages
(especially in case of usage of natural untreated rape oil).
As micro CHP systems are not very developed in all the regions/countries of the partner
organisations of green lodges project, Austria is in the position of transferring experience of
the installation and operation of several hundred units in the past few years. Beside of the
technical product portfolio a special focus was laid in this report in the identification of critical
economic success factors like investment costs, O&M costs, calculation methods, and
parameter variations for selecting the final concept. Planning aspects for heat and electricity
integration but also for stand alone versions were described in detail including the different
possible operation modes (i.e. heat and electricity driven modes, or a combination of both).
Tables and Figures giving precise planning guidelines for the analysis of the energy demand
and for the selection of the right micro CHP system were included to enable the partner
organisations for the further deployment of micro CHPs in their own regions/countries.
There are a number of likely barriers to the widespread deployment of micro CHP technolo-
gies. Three types of barriers were highlighted: (i) cost constraints, (ii) information, and (iii)
technical constraints. For the operation of micro CHP systems regional and national regula-
tions (varying from region to region and country to country) governing energy and environ-
mental matters have to be followed. However, instead of individual region and/or country
49
specific solutions to overcome these barriers it is suggested that a harmonised approach at

EU level will be achieved as good as possible.
50
Annex
7 Annex
7.1 List of suppliers for reciprocating engines

Supplier Electrical power Model series Fuels
range
Senertec Kraft-Wrme- 5,0 5,5 Dachs HKA Natural gas
Energiesysteme GmbH
LPG
Carl-Zeiss-Strae 18
ELFO, biodiesel
97424 Schweinfurt
Germany
Tel: +49 9721/651-0
www.senertec.de
PowerPlus Technologies 1,3 4,7 Ecopower Natural gas
GmbH
(modulating) LPG
Fasaneninsel 20
07548 Gera
Germany
Tel: +49 365 / 830403-00
www.ecopower.de
Spilling Energie Systeme 7 20 (modulating) PowerTherm Natural Gas
GmbH
LPG
Werftstrae 5
Biogas, Sewage gas
20457 Hamburg
Germany
Tel: +49 40 789 175 0
www.powertherm.de
EC Power A/S 4 13 (modulating) XRGI 13 Natural gas
Samsvej 25
DK-8382 Hinnerup 4 17 (modulating) XRGI 17 ELFO, LFO
Denmark
Tel: +45 8743 4127
www.ecpower.de
Buderus Austria Heiztechnik 18 238 Loganova Natural gas
GmbH
Karl-Schnher-Strae 2
4600 Wels
Austria
Tel:+43 7242 29850
http://www.buderus.at
Oberdorfer Kraft-Wrme- 70 245 Natural gas
Kopplung GmbH
Bahnhofstrasse 10 70 250 LPG
51
9711 Paternion 70 250 Biogas,

Sewage gas,
Austria
Landfill gas
Tel: +43 (0) 4245 2419
www.oberdorfer.at
GE Jenbacher 330 Baureihe Type 2 Natural gas
Achenseestrae 1-3, LPG
6200 Jenbach Biogas
Austria 525 1065 Baureihe Type 3 Natural gas
Tel: +43 5244 600-0 LPG
www.jenbacher.com Biogas
1413 Baureihe Type 4 Natural gas,
LPG,
Biogas
1644 - 3047 Baureihe Type 6 Natural gas
LPG
Biogas
Zeppelin sterreich GmbH 188 5950 Natural gas
Zeppelinstrae 2
2401 Fischamend 199 1090 Coal mine gas
Austria
Tel: +43 2232 790 173 2090 Biogas
www.zeppelin-cat.at
190 930 LPG
KraftWerk Kraft-Wrme- 25 Mephisto G16 Natural gas, LPG

Kopplung GmbH
29 Mephisto G18 Sewage gas and
Zur Bettfedernfabrik 1 biogas for the model
Mephisto G16
30451 Hannover
Germany
Tel: +49 511 262 9970 24 Mephisto G26 Natural gas
34 Mephisto G34 LPG
www.kwk.info
Sewage gas and
www.kraftwerk-bhkw.de biogas for the model
Mephisto 26.
Energiewerkstatt 18 BHKW ASV 18/43 Natural gas

Gesellschaft fr rationelle LPG
Energie mbH & Co. KG
Usage of biogas and
Bartweg 16 sewage gas is possi-
ble
30453 Hannover
Germany
Tel: +49 511 / 949 740
www.energiewerkstatt.de
Reindl Maschinenbau 6,3 BHKW BK 07/H LFO
GmbH RME
Steinhausen 20
52
Annex
85625 Glonn
Germany
Tel: +49 8093 / 90 38 0
www.reindl-mb.de
Heinke Dring Energie GmbH 9 BHKW 9/16,5 LFO
Fischbach 15 The models can be
adapted for the usage
35418 Buseck Gewerbegebiet
of natural gas and
Ost
rape oil
Germany
22 BHKW 22/40
Tel:+49 6408-504 684
www.heinke-doering.de 37 BHKW 37/66
KW Energie Technik e.K. 8 25 Rape oil

Neumarkter Str. 157
92342 Freystadt/Rettelloh 8 43 Natural gas
Germany LFO
Tel: +49 9179 / 96 434 0 Biogas
www.kw-energietechnik.de 10 75 Diesel, LFO
Pro2-Anlagentechnik GmbH 191 1703 Landfill gas

Schmelzerstrae 25 Biogas
47877 Willich Sewage gas
Germany 212 2014 Natural gas
Tel: +49 2154 / 488-0 Coal mine gas
www.pro-2.net
Communa Metall GmbH 52 BHKW Type 2725 Natural gas
Uhlandstrae 17 LPG
32051 Herford Sewage gas
Germany Biogas
Tel.: +49 5221 9151- 0 112 BHKW Type 5450 Natural gas
www.comuna-metall.de LPG
Sewage gas
Biogas
SOKRATHERM GmbH & Co. 50 383 Model series GG Natural gas
KG Energie- und Wrme-
technik
38 345 Model series FG Biogas
Milchstr. 12
32120 Hiddenhausen,
104 345 Model series BG Biogas
Germany
Tel: +49 5221.9621-0,
www.sokratherm.de
EAW Energieanlagenbau 5,3 - 170 ELFO, LFO
GmbH
Retrofits for biodiesel
Oberes Tor 106 (RME) are possible
on request
53
98631 Westenfeld 5,5 238 Nautral gas

Germany Retrofits for biogas
are possible on
Tel: +49 36948 84132
request
www.eaw-
energieanlagenbau.de
Kuntschar + Schlter GmbH 78 585 Biogas BHKW Biogas
Unterm Dorfe 8
34466 Wolfhagen-Ippinghausen 18 228 Natural gas Natural gas
Germany Lambda 1 BHKW
Tel: +49 05692 98 80-0

40 1280 Lean natural gas Natural gas
www.kuntschar-schlueter.de
operation
16 580 BHKW Sewage gas

Lean sewage gas
operation
Emslandstrom GmbH & Co. 311 1942 Natural gas, Biogas
KG
Am Deverhafen 2
26871 Papenburg
Germany
Tel: +49 49 61 - 66 92 93
www.emslandstrom.de
2G Energietechnik GmbH 105, 230 Biogas
Benzstr. 10
48619 Heek 100, 180, 340, 526 Biogas
Germany
Tel: +49 25 68 / 9 60 33
www.2-g.de
IET Intelligente Energie 30 346 Biogas
Technik GmbH
Chromstrasse 2
9500 Villach 35 380 Natural gas
Austria
Tel: + 43 424 33223
www.iet-energietechnik.at
Khler & Ziegler Anlagen- 65 1010 Natural gas
technik
Auweg 10 c
35457 Lollar
53 800 Sewage gas, biogas
Germany
Tel: +49 64 06/91 03-0
www.koehler-ziegler.de
Koller Innovative Ener- 1,3 4,7 Powerbox Natural gas
gietechnik
Taubergasse 30
54
Annex
1170 Wien
Tel.: +43 1 804 3382
www.eigenstrom.at
DEUTZ Power Systems GmbH 240 4000 Natural gas
& Co. KG
Carl-Benz-Str. 1
68167 Mannheim
Germany
Tel: +49 621 384 0
http://www.deutzpowersyste
ms.com
Menag Energie AG 25 3916 Natural gas
Bachmatten 5
CH-4435 Niederdorf
Switzerland 25 1696 Biogas
Tel: +41 61 956 2500 Sewage gas
http://www.menag-
group.com/de/
ETW Energietechnik GmbH 130 1560 Natural gas
Ferdinand-Zeppelin-Strae 19
47445 Moers
Germany
110 1370 Biogas
Tel: +49 2841 99 90-0
http://www.etw-
energie.de/downloads.htm
GIESE Energie- und Re- 5 63 LFO / Diesel / RME
geltechnik GmbH
Huchenstr. 3
7,5 35 Rape oil
82178 Puchheim bei Mnchen
Germany
5,5 - 63 Natural gas
Tel: + 49 89 / 800 653-00 /LPG/Biogas
www.energator.de
Hfler Blockheizkraftwerke 22 1030 Natural gas
Ladestrae 26
88131 Lindau
21 142 Biogas
Germany
Tel: +49 8382 25057
www.hoefler-bhkw.de
SCHMITT-ENERTEC GmbH 105 812 Natural gas
Kottenheimer Weg 37
56727 Mayen, Germany
20 771 Biogas
Germany
Tel: +49 2651.409310
www.schmitt-enertec.de
55
SEF Energietechnik GmbH & 25 G3000A Natural gas

Co. KG
Lessingstrae 4
08058 Zwickau
Germany
Tel: +49 375 54 1608
www.sef-energietechnik.de
Henkelhausen GmbH & Co. BHKW with Deutz LFO
KG engines
Biogas
Hafenstrae 51
47809 Krefeld
Germany
Tel: +49 2151 574 207
www.henkelhausen.com
MWB Motorenwerke Bremer- 150 - 335 Rape oil
haven AG
LFO
Barkhausenstrae
Natural gas
27568 Bremerhaven
Low calorific gases
Postfach 120352
27517 Bremerhaven
Germany
Tel: +49 3631 918-325
www.mwb.ag
FIMAG Finsterwalder Maschi- bis 2000 Natural gas, Sewage
nen- und Anlagenbau GmbH gas, LFO
Grenzstrae 41
03238 Finsterwald
Germany
Tel: +49 3531 5080
www.fimag-finsterwalde.de
HAASE Energietechnik AG Container BHKW Natural gas
Gadelander Strae 172 Biogas
24531 Neumnster Sewage-, landfill gas
Germany Stationary BHKW Natural gas
Tel: +49 4321 878-0 Biogas
http://www.haase- Sewage-, landfill gas
energietechnik.de 171 - 1703 Compakt BHKW Biogas
SEnergie GmbH 50 - 280 Sewage gas, biogas

and natural gas
Neuer Weg 1
79423 Heitersheim Deutschland
Germany
Tel: +49 7634 - 50569-0
www.senergie.de
56
Annex
PEWO Energietechnik GmbH 26 386 pewoGS Natural gas

Geierswalder Strae 13
02979 Elsterheide
Germany 32 347 pewoBGS Biogas
Tel: +49 3571 4898-0
www.pewo.de
WILHELM SCHMITT 40, 50, 65 Natural gas
Robert Bosch Str.5
Industriegebiet Ost 1
56727 Mayen
Germany
Tel: +49 2651/9887-30
www.schmitt-mayen.de
MDE Dezentrale Energiesys- 119 386 ME Natural gas
teme
Dasinger Str. 11
86165 Augsburg 116 323 ME Natural gas
Germany
Tel: +49 821 / 7480-0
www.mde-online.com 192, 370 MB Biogas, sewage gas
MDE Dezentrale Energiesys-

teme wurde von MTU Frie-
drichshafen bernommen.
Ochtruper Energietechnik 8 50 OET Gas
Feldevert
Alternative: rape oil,
Deipenbrook 31 biogas, mine gas
48607 Ochtrup 8 50 OET LFO
Germany Alternative: rape oil,
Tel: +49 02553 / 80907 biogas, mine gas
Weitere Modelle bis Alternative: rape oil,
www.oet.de
1000 kW biogas, mine gas
Mothermik GmbH 100 3000 ELFO, RME

Industriestr. 3
56291 Pfalzfeld/Hunsrck
Germany Natural gas, sewage
gas, biogas, mine
Tel +49 6746 / 8003-0 gas, wood gas and
www.mothermik.de other low caloric
gases in connection
with ELFO or RME as
injection stream
SES Service EnergieSysteme 25 100 UNIT HPC Natural gas
GmbH
Ready for connec-
Kmmlitzer Strae 5 tion compact
modules
57
D-04519 Rackwitz 194 1974 CHP plants in the Natural gas, biogas,
construction sewage gas
Germany
forms: industrial
Tel: +49 34294 8360 plants and con-
tainer
www.ses-
energiesysteme.com
tvp-energysystems GmbH 100 20000 Natural gas
Lange Zeile 112 Biodiesel
7311 Neckenmarkt
AUSTRIA
Tel: +43 2610 423 54
www.tvp-austria.com
ABL-Energietechnik GmbH 30 340 Biogas lean operation
Mhlberger Str. 6
83527 Moosham 35 340 Natural gas lean
operation
Germany
Tel: +49 0 8072 3747 04 70 300 LFO,
rape oil operation
www.abl-energietechnik.de
7.2 List of suppliers for rape oil engines

Supplier Electrical power Fuels Comments
range
BioEnergieTann GmbH 11 500 Rape oil All rape oil CHP systems
can be also delivered as
Eiberger Strae 2
biogas/injection gas
84367 Zimmern engines
Germany 170, 230 Biogas, landfill gas
Tel: +49 8572 96060
Hoepfl Thomas 6 15 LFO, RME Rape oil cold pressed with
conversion kit
Elektrounternehmen
Hauptstr. 39
94336 Hunderdorf /
Ndby
Germany
Tel: +49 9422 / 85 21 - 0
www.block-heiz-kraft-
werk.de
Hubert Tippktter 13 160 LFO
GmbH
Velsen 49
229 415 LFO CHP system with MAN
48231 Warendorf diesel engines
Germany 8 1000 Rape oil
Tel: +49 2584 9302-0
www.tippkoetter.de
58
Annex
EUROENERGIE 10 500 Rape oil

Billstrasse 28
D-20539 Hamburg
Germany
Tel: +49 40 819 78 466
www.euroenergie.info
Neue Energie Technik 8 144 LFO/Diesel/RME, etc.
NET
Moosstrae 195
12 30 Rape oil
A-5020 Salzburg
Austria
8 30 Gas
Tel: +43 662 828729
www.neue-energie-
6 20 LFO/Diesel
technik.net
Nutz GmbH 12 20 Rape oil Customer specific plants
can be manufactured
Rudolfstrae 121 f
8010 Graz 120 Rape oil Customer specific plants
Austria can be manufactured
Tel: +43 0316 30156

www.nutz-gmbh.at
Johann Sllinger 8 25 Rape oil
kotec
Biodiesel
Stra im Attergau 34
4881 Stra im Attergau
Austria
Tel: + 43 7667 7205-0
www.soellinger.at
www.oekotec.at
ko-Energiesysteme 8,2 35 Rape oil
GmbH
LFO
Hauptstrae 8
37355 Deuna 52 320 Natural gas
Germany Biogas
Tel: +49 36076 51313

www.energie-as.de
StarmoTec Energie 5,5 11 Diesel/LFO, Rape oil Parallel operation with
Systeme electrical grid
Rosenstrae 1 38 Diesel/LFO, Rape oil Independent operation to

86495 Eurasburg bei electrical grid
Augsburg
Germany
Tel: + 49 8208 9599511
http://www.starmotec.
de
59
KW Energie Technik 8 25 Rape oil

e.K
Neumarkter Str. 157
92342 Frey-
stadt/Rettelloh
Germany
Tel: +49 9179 / 96 434 0
www.kw-
energietechnik.de
GIESE Energie- und 7,5 35 Rape oil
Regeltechnik GmbH
Huchenstr. 3
82178 Puchheim bei
Mnchen
Germany
Tel: +49 089 800 653-0
www.energator.de
MWB Motorenwerke 150 - 335 Rape oil
Bremerhaven AG
Barkhausenstrae
27568 Bremerhaven
Germany
Tel: +49 3631 918-325
www.mwb.ag
ABL-Energietechnik 70 300 LFO and Rape oil Rape oil operation achie-
GmbH ves minus 10 % of the
rated power
Mhlberger Str. 6
83527 Moosham
Germany
Tel: +49 0 8072 3747 04
www.abl-
energietechnik.de
60
Literature
8 Literature
Lit 1 M. Pehnt, Micro CHP a sustainable innovation?, 8. Symposium Energieinnova-

tion: Erfolgreiche Energieinnovationsprozesse, 4./5.2.2004, Graz (Austria)
Lit 2 MicroMap (2002): MicroMap - Mini and MicroCHP - Market Assessment and De-
velopment Plan. Study supported by the European Commission. London, FaberMaunsell
Ltd, COGEN Europe, EA Technology, ESTIA Consulting, Energy for Sustainable Develop-
ment, GERG, SIGMA Elektroteknisk AG
Lit 3 Directive 2004/8/EC on the promotion of cogeneration based on a useful heat

demand in the internal energy market and amending Directive 92/42/EEC (11 February
2004)
Lit 4 Prosmaco (2002): Promotion of small scale cogeneration in rural areas, Study
supported by the European Commission, Inestene, France
Lit 5 Future Cogen (2001): The future of CHP in the European markets the European
cogeneration study, Study supported by the European Commission, ESD, UK
Lit 6 B. A. Widmann, et. al., Pflanzenlbetriebene Blockheizkraftwerke, study of TU-

Mnchen Weihenstephan on behalf of the Bavarian Ministry for Landesentwicklung und
Umweltfragen, Munich, July 2002
Lit 7 B. A. Widmann, et. al. , Pflanzenlbetriebene Blockheizkraftwerke: Leitfaden,

study of TU-Mnchen Weihenstephan on behalf of the Bavarian Ministry for Lande-
sentwicklung und Umweltfragen, Munich, April 2002
Lit 8 Senertec GmbH: Technical data sets Dachs Heizkraftanlagen.

www.senertec.de (02/2006)
Lit 9 LTV-Arbeitskreis Dezentrale Pflanzenlgewinnung, Weihenstephan. Quality standard

for rape oil seeds as fuel (RK-Qualittsstandard), 05/2000.
Lit 10 VDI 3985, Principles for the design, construction and acceptance of combined
heat and power plants with internal combustion engines, VDI Gesellschaft Ener-
gietechnik, Berlin, March 2004
Lit 11 VDI 2067 Blatt 1, Economic efficiency of building installations; fundamentals

and economic calculation, Dsseldorf, 2000
Lit 12 VDI 2067 Blatt 7, Economy calculation of heat consuming installations; Block
heating and power station, Dsseldorf, 1998
Lit 13 STIA Holzindustrie (in cooperation with BIOS), Biomass fired CHP plant based on
biomass, Final report of EU project: BM/120/98/AT/IT, Admont, 2001
Lit 14 A. Duvia, M. Gaia, ORC plants for power production from biomass from 0,4 MWel
to 1,5 MWel: Technology, efficiency, practical experiences and economy , paper pre-
sented at the 7th Holzenergie Symposium, October 2002, ETH Zrich (Switzerland)
61
Lit 15 M. Pehnt, M. Cames, C. Fischer, B. Praetorius, L. Schneider, K. Schumacher, J.-P.

Vo, Micro Cogeneration: Towards Decentralized Energy Systems, Heidelberg, 2006
Lit 16 HASTEX INTERNATIONAL KK, Decentralized Electricity Generation with Natural

Gas In one-family houses: The situation in Japan, http://engineering.hastex.net/ (Febru-
ary 2006)
Lit 17 ASUE, Dezentrale Stromerzeugung mit Erdgas in Einfamilienhusern, Interna-

tionale Fachtagung, Essen, November 2005
Lit 18 ASUE, BHKW Kenndaten 2005, Kaiserslauten, 2005
Lit 19 ASUE, Mikro-KWK Motoren, Turbinen und Brennstoffzellen, Kaiserslauten, 2001
Lit 20 G. Simader, et.al. Mikro- und Mini-KWK-Anlagen in sterreich, Report, Vienna,

March 2004
Lit 21 G. Simader, Brennstoffzellen und Mikro-Gasturbinenen-Systeme fr die dezen-

trale Energienutzung (Fuel cells and micro gas turbines for decentralised energy
applications), studies for STEWEAG/ESTAG company, Vienna, in the years 1997, 1998,
2001, 2002
Lit 22 G. Simader, et.al., Analysis of the market potential for micro-gas turbines in
Austria, Study for ATEL company, Vienna, 2001
Lit 23 G. Simader, P. Lackner, P. Lucny, Small and micro scale CHP in Austria, Report
in the frame of the OPET CHP project (Contract Nr.: NNE5/2002/52), Vienna, 2003
Lit 24 Energy Saving Trust on behalf of the DTI in conjunction with Element Energy Limited,
Econnect and Cambridge University Faculty of Economics, Potential for Microgeneration,
study and analysis, London, 2005
Lit 25 Iberdrola (ed.), International standard situation concerning components of

distributed power systems and recommendations of supplements; Deliverable 2.1 of
the project DISPOWER; Bilbao, Spain, 2005
Lit 26 Senertec (ed.), Dachs WRA-G/F, Instruction for installation, starting and
maintenance of the 3-phase stand alone grid with the Dachs WRA-G/F, Schweinfurt,
2000
Lit 27 Fachinformationszentrum Karlsruhe (ed.), Blockheizkraftwerke:, Eine Leitfaden fr

den Anwender, TV-Verlag GmbH, Kln 2005
Lit 28 Verein Deutscher Ingeneure, VDI Richtlinie 3985, Grundstze fr Planung, Aus-
fhrung und Abnahme von Kraft-Wrme-Kopplungsanlagen mit Verbrennungskraft-
maschinen, Dsseldorf 2004
Lit 29 R C Knight, et. Al., ELEP European local electricity production deliverable 2.1,
issue 1 distributed generation connection charging within the European Union, Revew
of current practicies, future options and European policy recommendations,
September 2005
62
Literature
63
STERREICHISCHE ENERGIEAGENTUR AUSTRIAN ENERGY AGENCY
A-1060 Vienna, Otto-Bauer-Gasse 6 | Phone +43-1-586 15 24 | Fax +43-1-5861524-40
office@energyagency.at | www.energyagency.at

Micro CHP Systems

Uploaded by

Document Informationclick to expand document information

Copyright:

Available Formats

Micro CHP Systems

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Micro CHP Systems

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

FINAL REPORT De live r ab le 8 (D8) of G ree n L od ge s Pro ject

( EIE/04 /252 /S0 7 .38 608)

Micro CHP systems:

Authors: Gnter R. Simader

Published and produced by: sterreichische Energieagentur Austrian Energy Agency

Editor in Chief: Dr. Fritz Unterpertinger

Project management: Gnter Simader

Reviewing: Georg Trnka

Layout: Georg Trnka

Produced and published in Vienna

Printed on non-chlorine bleached paper.

The identification of best-practice and good-practice examples in form of case studies in

2 Definition of micro CHP

Reciprocating engines are conventional internal combustion engines coupled with

Prototypes - proof of concept of technology

3 State of the art of micro CHP technologies

3.1 Conversion Technologies

3.1.1 Reciprocating Engines

Diesel engines, and

spark ignition engines.

Usage of biodiesel in CHP plants:

Usage of rape oil in CHP plants:

3.1.1.2 Spark ignition engines

Table 1 Characteristics of reciprocating engines

Thermo Fuel used Efficiencies Power size

Fuel Oil CHP

Figure 2 Dependency of specific investment prices for reciprocating engines as function of

2,50 Natural Gas

Figure 3 Dependency of specific maintenance prices for reciprocating engines as function of

3.1.2 Micro Gas Turbines

Table 2 Characteristics of micro gas turbines (Source: Lit 21]

Power to heat Fuel used Efficiencies Power

Micro 0,2 0,8 Natural gas, gas 65 90 15 - 30 15 kWel to

biogas, flare gas,

3.1.3 Stirling Engines

Table 3 Characteristics of Stirling Engines (Source: [Lit 20])

Thermo dy- Fuel used Efficiencies Power

3.1.4 Organic Rankine Cycle ORC

Figure 7 Working principle of a biomass-fired ORC process (Source: [Lit 13]

Key technical benefits of ORC plants include:

high cycle efficiency

Typical applications are:

low enthalpy geothermal plants, up to 3 MW electric per unit

T450-CHP T500-CHP T600-CHP T1100-CHP T1500-CHP

Turboden presently refers to 34 reference projects; 16 of these systems are already in

3.1.5 Fuel Cell Technology

(i) 5 kWel/7 kWth PEFC system from Vaillant, and

3.2 Product characteristics of micro CHP technologies

3.2.1 Reciprocating Engines

Fuels Natural gas, LPG

Figure 12 Spillings 20 kWel/40 kWth Power Therm micro CHP product

Table 7 Spilling Energie Systems PowerTherm product

Fuels Natural Gas, LPG, biogas, sewage gas

Table 9 Power plants from Oberdorfer company (Source: Oberdorfer)

OD 70 OD 90 OD 70 PG OD 70 OD 50 BIO OD 150 OD 150

Weight [kg] 2470 2470 2470 2470 2800 4000 4000

Electrical output 1) Thermal output 2) ICWT 3)

An interesting Japanese product development is Hondas 1 kWel system named Ecowill