IMM wrote:

"Christian McArdle" wrote in message
. net...
Has anyone heard of Micro Combined Heat and Power units. I am made to
believe that these are boilers that also generate their own electricity
and
are highly efficient.

I hadn't realised that they had gone into production yet. I think they're
a
great idea, but personally, I prefer to avoid 1st generation products. If
you are into the "bleeding" edge, then try one. Just make sure you post
the
results here!

They don't generate much electricity, so you still need a genuine
electricity connection. However, they will plod away producing enough for
your lights/fridge/freezer/TV, so that you only draw electric current from
the mains when you're doing something big, like using the tumble dryer or
kettle.

They will produce electricity intermittently. When the thermal store is up
to temp and no heat is demanded from CH and DHW, then you draw from the
grid. It is claimed that over 50% of all electricity will be generated in
the home using these units and 25% cheaper to run in both gas and
electricity, as you also sell electricity back to the power company.

Personally, mine would rapidly grow a small battery bank, so it could be
operated entirely off-grid, in case of power failure, and to provide
for larger surges than 1Kw.
I'd also be looking at a small gas storage tank that could be plumbed
up to the boiler for a mains gas outage too, as well as considering
a large thermal store.

The power company is of course the best place to sell back to, much
better than a battey bank - if it's working.