Quote:
Originally Posted by redpoint5
Interesting concept, don't know why I didn't think of that. NG should be generating electricity in the quest for heating, but then would there be any less heat due to the fact that some of the energy would be converted to electricity and sent outside the home?
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A good estimate is that a gasoline engine will produce 25% shaft power, 25% cooling water heat, and 50% exhaust heat, if a condenser is used. So, that shaft power is often matched to local power demand, needing only storage, etc. If sold, it would cover much of the fuel cost. (Heating oil works fine in a Datsun diesel. Don't ask me how I know.)
I'd like to see the math for what could be done running a simple, free-piston heat pump (electric take-off optional) and using some of the waste heat to pre-warm the air going into the heat pump. Their efficiency tends to drop off on the coldest days.