UK boiler manufacturer Baxi has unveiled a radical new product that will revolutionise domestic heating. Micro-CHP is essentially a gas boiler, similar in size to a normal wall hung boiler, which generates electricity for use in the home while providing heating and hot water.
The combined heat and power (CHP) unit generates 1kW of electricity per hour using a Free Piston Stirling Engine. Any extra electricity needed can be supplemented from the National Grid. In addition, any electricity generated by the unit that is surplus to requirement may be sold back to the National Grid.
Baxi has developed the technology to produce a boiler that operates virtually noise and vibration free, in a casing that is no bigger than a standard domestic boiler. If fitted in an average home, around one tonne of carbon dioxide could be saved annually, as well as substantial reductions in fuel bills.
Chief Executive Officer of Baxi Group UK, Martyn Coffey, presented the product this week to Malcolm Wicks MP, Minister for Energy, Ian Pearson MP, Minister for Science and Innovation, Baroness Maddock, President of the Micropower Council, and other industry bodies and utility companies at a Micropower Council event.
Housebuilders and utility companies attended a micro-CHP open day last month when they had the opportunity to visit field trials where the units have been working in homes for the last 12 months, generating electricity and selling the surplus back into the National Grid.
Martyn Coffey said: "We are delighted with the response we have had to micro-CHP. If the Government's targets for reducing carbon dioxide emissions are to be met, we as an industry have to step up to the plate and invest in developing technologies for the future. Gaining recognition of the product at the highest level means it will be easier when the product is ready for general distribution at the end of 2008."
Micro-CHP will be commercially available from early 2009.
