What is Cogeneration? Cogeneration is the creation of two types of energy from a single piece of equipment. Cogen is also called Combined Heat and Power (CHP), and guess who setup the very first cogeneration power plant in 1882? None other than Thomas Edison himself!
We’re going to keep this answer at a very high level and free from technical jargon: Combined heat and power or CHP works by generating electricity, and using the resulting heat energy for other things such has heating water, etc. A cogen system burns natural gas to create electricity from a generator, and the heat from combustion is used to heat water in the home (or used with a radiant heating system).
Since combined heat and power equipment generates electricity on location, it doesn’t have to generate as much because no power is lost on the lines (as is the case with grid power from the utility company). Making use of the resulting heat energy not only saves you money, but has a huge impact on your carbon footprint.
A residential cogeneration system can save the equivalent of 240 gallons of gasoline each year! As mentioned above, electricity from the grid isn’t efficient. In fact, it can end up at only about 35% efficient by the time it arrives at your home. A cogen system drastically changes efficiency and it’s both a dollar amount for the homeowner, and an environmental plus for everyone.
Companies like Freewatt® are making this available in residential systems. Ask your HVAC contractor about a cogen system for your home!
The freewatt® warm air system combines generating electricity with heating your home and/or water. This system includes a Honda MCHP unit and a 95% AFUE condensing furnace package. A high efficiency MERV 8 Air Filtration device is included to help improve indoor air quality. This system also comes with a Domestic Hot Water heat exchanger option.
Download brochure: Freewatt Plus Cogen System
The hydronic freewatt plus system uses the Honda MCHP power module with a super-efficient residential boiler. This modulating condensing boiler captures 95 percent of the available energy. Hydronic freewatt plus can provide space heating, water heating, electric power and backup power for your hydronic heating system application.
Download PDF: Freewatt Hydronic Cogen System
The environmentally friendly freewatt cogen systems help make it easier for people to reduce their carbon footprint. When most people think about reducing the environmental impact of their heating system they think about cold homes and woolly sweaters. The freewatt system enables you reduce your carbon footprint and save money without turning down your thermostat.
Download PDF: The Future of Home Energy
The value of a typical home increases by $5,000 to $20,000 when a freewatt system is included. While heating your home the freewatt system also produces 1.2 kW of low cost green electricity. This electricity offsets your electric usage and shows up as a significant decrease in your electric bill. Many freewatt customers find that their bills drop to zero during the heart of the winter!
Download PDF: How Cogeneration Benefits Homeowners