Advanced Integrated Energy System at a National Hotel Resort Docket:10974 An advanced integrated energy system integrates a propane-fueled
combined heat and power system into a hotel’s existing electric,
heating, and cooling systems. A propane-fueled CHP system was installed
and demonstrated at a resort in Hawaii, during which researchers
evaluated the economics of the system, conducted training, and developed
an expanded laboratory program for testing high-output reciprocating
engine generator sets based on fuel quality. |
Cogeneration Demonstration at a Pennsylvania Hydroponic Greenhouse Docket:12340 This study demonstrated a 90 percent energy-efficient cogeneration
system featuring a Marathon Ecopower propane engine with selective
catalytic reduction to treat exhaust gas. The 5-kilowatt
electric/14-kilowatt thermal combined heat and power system produced
electricity, heated water, and fertilized crops with the carbon dioxide
generated by the system at the hydroponic greenhouse. |
Combined Heat and Power Systems for Residential Applications Comparison Docket:12200 Residential combined heat and power technology fueled by propane
provides heat and power in an efficient way to homes and small
businesses. An extensive review of existing CHP technology was conducted
to compare the systems’ performance to electric heat pumps and
conventional vapor-compression air conditioning systems using propane
furnaces for heating. |
Ecopower Micro-CHP Conversion Docket:10967 The Ecopower micro-CHP remote power electric generator was originally
sold in Europe and met European grid standards. This effort converted
the propane-fueled Ecopower micro-CHP to the U.S. electric standard for
use in homes and light commercial applications. Three units were also
demonstrated in selected U.S. residences. |
Freewatt Plus Micro-CHP System Docket:15625, 12199 Freewatt Plus is a micro-CHP system that combines an advanced warm-air
or hydronic furnace with a 1.2-kilowatt propane-fueled engine generator
to form a unique distributed generation system. To develop the system,
researchers quantified the performance, economic, and environmental
benefits of similar systems and documented the installation process of
the propane system as compared to conventional high-efficiency warm air
furnaces. Freewatt Plus underwent field-testing and a one-year
demonstration to prepare it for market entry. |
Gas-Fired Residential Combined Heat and Power Feasibility Study and System Specification Docket:11203 This study evaluated the feasibility of a gas-fired residential combined
heat and power system in terms of consumer cost of purchased power
versus "home generated" power (i.e., cost of fuel, utilized heat energy
from on-site generation, grid-friendliness of the system, cost of owning
the system). |
Marathon Propane Engine and Generators Docket:10646, 10122 Marathon adapted its natural gas engine to run on propane for air
conditioning and electric power generation applications. The
propane-fueled engine was performance tested and evaluated to determine
the engine design configurations most suitable for reliable operation
when used in air conditioning and electric power generation
applications. Using this engine, Marathon developed and commercialized
an engine systems generator and micro-cogeneration product line that is
optimized to provide electric power to remote locations. |
Market Assessment: Propane Distributed Generation Docket:15487 The Propane Distributed Generation Market Assessment is an evaluation of
the technologies, markets, and trends for propane-fueled distributed
generation applications of less than 1 megawatt. The study estimated the
market and propane volume potential for the different distributed
generation market segments. This research provides the basis for the
development of a commercialization plan to help the propane industry
realize the potential market for propane-fueled distributed generation. |
Micro-CHP Systems for Residential ApplicationsDocket:11538 A residential micro-CHP system provides on-site heat and power for homes and small businesses. This system was developed along with a commercialization strategy for market entry that included identifying the market potential and market requirements of micro-CHP systems, assessing the technology, and developing a proof-of-principle system design for a micro-CHP system. |
Reciprocating Propane Engine Combined Heat and Power System Docket:10565 A reciprocating propane engine combined heat and power system captures
thermal energy for water and space heating. This system was demonstrated
at Green Mountain Coffee Roasters to evaluate the system’s ability to
provide continuous power to coffee roasting and packaging operations. |
Yanmar Micro-CHP System Docket:16744, 16245, 11866 The Yanmar micro-CHP system is a propane-fueled micro-cogeneration
system for use in small rural facilities where power line extension and
electric reliability come at a premium. Based on the work researchers
did to accelerate the commercialization of this system, Yanmar is
developing a 10-kilowatt version that uses better emissions controls,
incorporates an off-grid inverter to enable uninterrupted power, and has
a web-based access control system. To achieve commercialization, the
10-kilowatt system will be emissions certified, tested for long-term
durability, and demonstrated at 10 locations. |