Micro CHP (micro Combined Heat & Power) is the simultaneous production of heat and
electricity in individual homes. Effectively the micro CHP unit
replaces the gas central heating boiler and provides heat and hot water as
usual, but additionally provides the majority of the home's electricity
needs. Although individual units produce relatively
small amounts of electricity, the significance of micro CHP lies in the
vast number of systems which may ultimately be installed in the
millions of homes in the UK and other European countries where natural gas is
currently the dominant heating fuel.
It is anticipated that, ultimately, micro CHP may provide 20%
or so of the UK's electricity generating capacity; unlike a number of
other microgeneration technologies such as solar PV or baseload nuclear, this
generation occurs during periods of peak electricity demand, thus providing high
value to the energy system.
This site is provided as an
information source for the general public and students interested in micro CHP.
Links are provided to manufacturers' sites, but please note that we do not
endorse or sell any products.
A simple introduction to what micro CHP is and how it works.
In 2004, the first
micro CHP units became available in the UK. Today, products based on
both engine and fuel cell technologies are available in Germany, UK, Netherlands, Japan and USA.
Micro and mini CHP products which are available now
as well as some of those under development.
so-called "enabling technologies" which enhance the performance and value
of the micro CHP products themselves is also included.
interest in micro CHP grows, numerous conferences and similar events are
continuously taking place.
is not exhaustive; please send details of any events you think should
This section includes links to international energy related sites, with
particular focus on Distributed Generation and micro CHP.
manufacturers and developers of micro CHP can now be found within the
relevant product sections.
Micro CHP can provide
significant economic, social & environmental benefits. However,
before investing in micro CHP, you can make a simple economic payback
calculation using this excel spreadsheet.
Download and insert the
relevant data for your home.
At last the definitive text
on micro CHP. You can preview the contents here and order on line.
Other books shown on this page include papers
by other authors and may be ordered from the publishers.
An archive of papers relating to micro CHP.
Although papers will be added on an ongoing basis, please note that individual
papers will not be changed, so check the publication date to see how
relevant they are...and to see how wrong my predictions were!
You may also be
interested in other types of microgeneration. This links to a
partner site containing basic information on other microgeneration technologies as well as links to
additional information sources.