Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - Natural Gas, Fuel Cell CHP system for $ 5000. Good deal?

Logic · 03-07-2025, 11:26 AM

EPA site:

Conventional Generation Overall Efficiency(grid electricity and boiler fuel/gas): 52%

vs.

Reciprocating engine: 75–80 percent

Fuel cell: 55–80 percent

Avoided Transmission and Distribution Losses: 5.3%
Environmental Benefits: Because less fuel is combusted, emissions, such as CO2 etc are reduced.
Economic Benefits: Reduced energy costs, CHP can often reduce the cost of replacing heating equipment.

https://www.epa.gov/chp/chp-benefits https://www.epa.gov/chp/chp-benefits

NB that that is for a decent sized genset that would produce enough heat and power for 3 to 5 houses.
Small gensets produce less electricity but more heat.

Heat to electric energy ratios for various 'engines':

03-07-2025, 11:26 AM	#4 (permalink)
Logic Master EcoModder Join Date: Aug 2022 Location: South Africa Posts: 724 Thanks: 272 Thanked 293 Times in 254 Posts	EPA site: Conventional Generation Overall Efficiency(grid electricity and boiler fuel/gas): 52% vs. CHP: Overall Efficiency: 80% Reciprocating engine: 75–80 percent Fuel cell: 55–80 percent Avoided Transmission and Distribution Losses: 5.3% Environmental Benefits: Because less fuel is combusted, emissions, such as CO2 etc are reduced. Economic Benefits: Reduced energy costs, CHP can often reduce the cost of replacing heating equipment. https://www.epa.gov/chp/chp-benefits https://www.epa.gov/chp/chp-benefits NB that that is for a decent sized genset that would produce enough heat and power for 3 to 5 houses. Small gensets produce less electricity but more heat. Heat to electric energy ratios for various 'engines':