What is micro CHP?
(Micro Combined Hear & Power) Micro-CHP systems’ chief difference from their larger-scale kin is in the operating parameter-driven operation. In many cases industrial CHP systems primarily generate electricity and heat is a useful by-product. Contrarily, micro-CHP systems, which operate in homes or small commercial buildings, are driven by heat-demand, delivering electricity as the byproduct. Because of this operating model and because of the fluctuating electrical demand of the structures they would tend to operate-in, homes and small commercial buildings, micro-CHP systems will often generate more electricity than is instantly being demanded. To date, micro-CHP systems achieve much of their savings, and thus attractiveness to consumers, through a “generate-and-resell” or net metering model wherein home-generated power exceeding the instantaneous in-home needs is sold back to the electrical utility. This system is efficient because the energy used is distributed and used instantaneous
