John Schmitt wrote:

On Fri, 2 Apr 2004 15:05:01 +0100, "IMM" wrote:


Running an IC genny 24/7 is highly uneconomical, umnless al the power and
heat is being used or stored.


Wrong. Even without the generous government grants, for large installations (which is where
I said they were viable) there are consistent savings to be made.

www.est.org.uk/communityenergy/images/ uploaded/documents/ACFPLBwLaq7D.doc

The HE sector is moving into CHP in a relatively big way. Not surprising really, as some
of the bigger players in the sector have student populations comparable to that of Gibraltar.

http://www.clarke-energy.co.uk/dundee.htm

Is but one example. It is far better to keep the engine running, with scheduled downtime.
Think about automotive engines and the most common reasons cars fail to do what they are
supposed to. Correct: B*gg*r wont start! Also the lubrication is constant, and the load is
stable so that wear is minimised. At least one sewage works I know of goes one stage farther
and obtains all their hot water and one third of their electricity from methane derived from
their sludge digesters. This also has the advantage of giving them skeleton power to keep the
plant going until the rest of their gensets come on stream if the mains goes.

John Schmitt




CHP may actually be a hugely green source of power. In Addenbrookes
hospital, Cambridge thay have an incinerator alreeady for presumably
used dressings etc. Or possible illegal immigrants. Who knows?
Hooking up some water heating and and electricity generation to such is
not beyond the wit of man.