"The Natural Philosopher" wrote in message
...
IMM wrote:


It all depends on usage. Light usage, which is most domestic if you
heat,
cook and DHW on gas, it is best to use the battery method topping up
when
required. You are right in that the best usage is from large users.
But
the inefficiencies of the IC engines is still there.

Not with CHP, because the waste heat isn't wasted.

You also have the inferior combustion process of the IC engine. An external
combustion unit: steam, Stirling are far better in this respect.

Also an IC engine at constant load cand be rin far more efficiently than
one that is starting and stopping all the time.

It depends on how often it starts and stops. A well designed system will
prevent unnecessary cycling. Lubrication can be taken care of by the oil
store under pressure which instantly give oil to all the bearings.