micro-chp summary of study results prepared for …...micro-chp summary of study results prepared...
TRANSCRIPT
Micro-CHPSummary of Study Results
prepared for ESC Distributed Generation
Consortium Members
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Rich BiljetinaEnergy Solutions [email protected]
Revised 3-22-10
Business Sensitive – Not for Distribution
“A Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system on a scalesuitable for single-family residences. Micro-CHP usessmall prime movers to generate electricity and then use the rejected heat for useful household purposes”*
The drivers: – Customer desire for household energy savings– The need for reliable power or back-up power– Consumer demand for ‘green’ solutions (inefficient grid power
versus the efficiency of onsite production of power and heat)– Tax credits, capital cost incentives and low interest loans
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What is Micro-CHP?
*2004 quote by Dick Topping, Director, Appliance Research, TIAX LLC
Hot off the press: completed first quarter 2010 by DE Solutions Inc.
Evaluated 21 products to determine development status and marketing plans for U.S. and Canada
Japan and Europe continue to take a leadership rolein providing incentives for the deployment of Micro-CHP units.
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The Micro-CHP Study
IC Engines Stirling Engines ORCs Fuel Cells
EC Power Baxi-Sener Tech Cogen Microsystems Acumentrics
Honda – Climate Energy Disenco Energetix Ceramic Fuel Cells
Ltd
Marathon Engine Systems
ENATEC micro-cogen Ceres Power
VW - LichtBlick Infinia Clear edge
Yanmar Whisper Tech Hexis
Microgen Engine Plug Power
Vaillant
Technology and Products Examined in the Study
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What is a Stirling Engine?
WhisperGennStirling Engine: a heat engine that operates by
cyclic compression and expansion of a working fluid at different temperature levels such that there is a net conversion of heat energy to mechanical work. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stirling_Engine
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What is an Organic Rankine Cycle Machine?
Use of an organic, high molecular mass fluid with a lower boiling point than water…this allows heat recovery from lower temperature sources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_Rankine_Cycle …or…same as a steam turbine concept but in a closed loop using an organic compound!
Not all companies were eager to respond to inquiries We postulate that these companies were either
– Still in the technology development stage and not ready for market development; and/or
– Were not interested in or not ready for the North American market
Emission Compliance:– Externally combusted ORCs and Stirling engines are typically
packaged with boilers that meet European boiler emission limits
– Fuel cells were assumed to have acceptably low emissions– Engine packages equipped with after-treatment are reflected in
the cost estimates
Some Observations
IC Engines Stirling Engines ORCs Fuel Cells
EC Power Baxi-Sener Tech Cogen Microsystems Acumentrics
Honda – Climate Energy Disenco Energetix CFCL
Marathon Engine Systems
ENATEC micro-cogen Ceres Power
VW - LichtBlick Infinia Clear edge
Yanmar Whisper Tech Hexis
Microgen Engine Plug Power
Vaillant
Bold – Passed initial screening
Screening Result
Honda & Climate Energy - Freewatt
Mature market in Japan– Product introduced in 2003– 90,000 units in operation
US market in early development stage– 160 units in New England– Expanding into NY & Canada
Partnering agreement with Vaillant for Germany Exploring China
• 1.2 kW engine with 3-way catalyst
• 11,000 BTU/hr hot water
• Elec. Eff – 20.3% HHV
• Overall Eff – 77% HHV
• Hydronic and furnace configurations
• Installed Cost Target -$20,000
• Deluxe unit has 1.8 kW backup capability (inverter)
• Maintenance Cost - ?
Marathon - ecopower
Wisconsin based company 3,000 systems installed in Europe Now available in US
– 40 units in field– Focus is currently on New England & Wisconsin– Apartment buildings & large homes
• 4.7 kW single cylinder IC engine
• 19,000 – 41,000 BTU/hr heat
• Good part-load performance down to 2.2 kW
• Elec. Eff – 22.5% HHV
• Overall Eff –83% HHV
• Integrates with hydronic heating or warm air systems
• $40,000 – $50,000 installed cost
• 4,000 hrs in between service intervals
WhisperTech - WhisperGEN
New Zealand based operation with manufacturing in Spain
– 2,000 prototypes in the field– Commercial production
(30,000 units/yr capacity) to commence end of 2009 Early market is Europe – Germany & Netherlands Initial deployment phase in Canada & US Forced air configuration in field trial
• 1 kW Stirling engine
• 23,900 BTU/hr hot water
• Elec. Eff – 10.6% HHV
• Overall Eff – 84% HHV
• Integrates with hydronic heating systems
• Installed Cost Target -$12,000
• Low maintenance cost
Disenco
UK based corporation Early market is UK & Mainland Europe In discussions with potential
manufacturing/production/distribution partners Currently discussing field trials with National Grid in U.S.
• 3 kW Stirling engine
• 49,000 BTU/hr hot water
• Elec. Eff – 13.5% HHV
• Overall Eff – 78% HHV
• Integrates with hydronic heating systems
• Installed Cost Target -$4,500
• Maintenance cost similar to boiler
Energetix - Genlec
UK based company Partnered with 5 European boiler
manufacturers Initial geographic focus – UK, Italy, Germany, Holland Commercial launch at end of 2010 Interested in North American market & would welcome expression of
interest from US/Canadian utilities
• 1 kW Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC)
• 20,000 BTU/hr hot water
• Elec. Eff – 10% HHV
• Overall Eff – 90% HHV
• Integrates with hydronic heating systems
• Installed cost estimate - $1,600 premium over condensing boiler.
• Emissions meet gas appliance directive for boilers
Plug Power – GenSys Blue
Latham New York based company 7th generation prototype technology
– several in field trials in Europe, NE US, & Asia
Currently focused on manufacturing process and partner network
Commercial launch planned for 2012– Large homes– Multi-Family
• 1.8 - 8 kW PEM/PAFC Fuel Cell modules
• Initial unit: 4.5 kW; 43,750 BTU/hr heat
• 180°C heat available
• Hybrid PEM & PAFC technology
• Elec. Eff – 27% HHV
• Overall Eff –77% HHV
• Target selling price - $10,000 - $12,000 premium over high efficiency boiler
• Integrates with hydronic heating systems
• Optional integrated adsorber under development
ClearEdge Power – CE5
Oregon based company with offices in California– In early commercialization stage– Less than 5 units operating in Oregon and Southern California
Capitalized on Palm Desert, CA low-interest loan program for energy efficiency improvements
• 5 kW PEM Fuel Cell
• 20,000 BTU/hr hot water
• Elec. Eff – 36.8% HHV
• Overall Eff – 80% HHV
• Integrates with hydronic heating systems
• Installed Cost Range - $50,000 –$60,000
Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited (CFCL) - BlueGen
Australian based company Heat output matches domestic hot water load High electric efficiency enables 24/7 operation
for larger homes or where FITs exist Partners include energy service companies and
boiler manufacturers in Europe and Japan In demonstration stage with selected utilities in Europe (France, Germany, UK &
Benelux) & Japan Netherlands utility, Nuon, placed volume order (50,000 units) over 5 years beginning
2010 Germany factory capable of 160,000 stacks/yr at full build-out
• 2 kW SOFC Fuel Cell
• 3,400 BTU/hr hot water
• Elec. Eff – 51.3% HHV
• Overall Eff – 77% HHV
• Integrates with hydronic heating systems
• Microgrid compatible
• $8,000 per unit Cost Forecast
• 5 year fuel cell stack life
Observations by DE Solutions
The cost targets varied considerably Some technology manufacturing costs are more volume sensitive
than others– The residential market is a common target because of huge
volume potential Two fundamental types of micro-CHP
– Thermal CHP: A premium boiler that also produces some electricity (only) when there is a demand for hot water
– Electric CHP: Primary product is electricity but thermal use enhances economics and GHG reduction
All technologies boast high Overall (CHP) Efficiencies– 75 – 80% HHV if non-condensing– 85 – 88% HHV if condensing
Boiler companies integrating Thermal (Micro) CHP into their condensing products will be able to offer premium appliances with an electricity supplement while preserving high condensing efficiencies
Utility participation will be important to success
Observations by DE Solutions (continued)
1 – 2 kW best size for medium/large home market
For sizes > 2 kW, market shrinks to XL homes, multi-family & light commercial
Thermal CHP best suited as boiler enhancement in colder climates
Electric CHP is residential option for warmer climates < 2 kW
Incentives can reduce cost premiums
Technology Scoring by DE Solutions
Company TechnologyPrice
AsEst.
ElectricCHP
Thermal CHP
Maintenance & Reliability
Dep. On Volume
Honda ICE 2 2 3 2 4
Marathon ICE 2 2 3 2 3
Whisper Tech Stirling 3 1 5 4 2
Disenco Stirling 4 1 5 4 2
Energetix ORC 5 1 5 5 4
Plug Power PEM-PAFC 3 2 3 3 2
Clear Edge PEM 1 4 2 3 2
CFCL SOFC 3 5 1 3 2
SCALE: Poor 1 2 3 4 5 Good
Recommended Short List
Thermal CHP MarketsEnergetix Cold Climate M/L ResidentialWhisper Tech Cold Climate M/L ResidentialDisenco Cold Climate L Residential, ApartmentsHonda Cold Climate M/L ResidentialMarathon XL Residential, Apartments, Light CommercialElectric CHPCFCL M/L ResidentialPlug Power XL Residential, Apartments, Light Commercial
M – MediumL – LargeXL – Extra Large
Recommendations from DE Solutions
Open up dialogue with select micro CHP companies
Compare market conditions (energy prices, incentives, FIT, efficiency standards, etc.) of Europe/Asia against N. American Market trends to gauge applicability
Assess micro CHP company business models and understand price/volume relationship
Examine various roles for North American gas and electric utilities as their participation level can make or break the market.
Acknowledgements
Summary results from a report funded by the ESC DG Consortium Report available to DG Consortium Members
Report completed by Keith DavidsonDE Solutions, Inc.(858) [email protected]
For additional information on ESC Distributed Generation InitiativesContact Rich BiljetinaESC Director, Energy [email protected]
December 2009