Essentially a mini CHP aimed at the domestic, small industry and commercial markets. These very small gas turbines are installed in the home, office or industrial units. The original concept was to replace conventional gas fired boilers as the unit is approximately the same size and has similar connections.

The unit would be sufficiently responsive to follow the electrical load of the property, whilst the waste heat would be utilised for hot water and space heating.

It is the author's understanding that the technology is fully developed and that a partnership between ABB and Volvo can provide installations.

Advantages

· Very high efficiency
· Point of use of electricity avoids transmission and distribution losses.

Limitations

· Unconfirmed performance with low electrical loads
· No reliability or performance data available.

Costs

No cost data available.

Would expect it to be competitive with domestic electricity and gas tariffs with a pay back of less than 10 years.

Applications

· Larger domestic dwellings, offices and industrial units.
· Larger micro turbine units could provide heat and power for clusters of houses.