Combined heat and power (CHP) is a method of generating electricity and heat simultaneously, while burning fuels such as natural gas or biofuel. Based on the end-user, CHP is classified into five categories: industrial CHP, CHP with district heating, combined cooling, heating and power, mini CHP, and micro CHP. Micro CHP units having an electrical output within the spectrum of 0 KW to 5 KW have been considered to be in the scope of the report. Micro CHP units are also known as microgeneration units. Micro CHP provides reliable power while emitting less greenhouse gases (as compared to the grid) and meeting the water and space heating needs of a building or home. In addition, it helps in reducing the load on the grid as well as transmission and distribution losses.
Currently, the countries witnessing micro CHP unit sales on a large scale are Japan and Germany. Japan leads the world micro CHP market with more than 80% share in annual global sales. The U.K. and U.S. are also beginning to look to distributed energy resources such as micro CHP for fulfilling their energy requirements. The other areas that have witnessed micro CHP development or research activity include The Netherlands, South Korea, and Canada.
Micro CHP is mainly viewed as a substitute of traditional boilers that are used as heating systems in residential and light commercial buildings. In addition to heat, micro CHP units also generate electricity. Based on the KW power output, the units can be used in standalone or multi-family homes, nursing homes, restaurants, and shops. These units are best-suited for buildings that have ideal “heat sinks” such as swimming pools.
Currently, the “internal combustion engine” technology accounts for 75% of the annual micro CHP sales, followed by proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The other emerging technologies include Stirling and organic rankine cycle engines. Stirling engines offer benefits such as flexibility in fuel to be used and reduced maintenance. Solid oxide fuel cells for use in micro CHP are currently under research, and understood to hold promise.
The micro CHP market is in its infancy in majority of regions around the world; however, penetration in the larger markets–mainly the U.S. and U.K.–is expected to be rapid. The factors contributing to the growth of the micro CHP market are supportive government policies, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, lower electricity expenses, and the availability of technologically advanced engines. However, the device is not sold in the mass market yet due to three main hurdles: high prices of the unit, consumer and utility resistance, and infrastructural hurdles.
Micro CHP units cost tens of thousands of dollars, and installation charges are also high. The costs are comparatively less for engine-based units than for fuel cell units. However, for both the types of units to make their way from the laboratories and field trials into the mass market, the manufacturing costs need to be brought down.
This has been broken down into component regions and further into countries within those regions. This report covers North America (U.S., Canada), Europe (Germany, U.K., and The Netherlands), and Asia-Pacific (Japan, South Korea). Market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities have been discussed in detail. Market players have been discussed and profiles of leading players including Honda (Japan), SenerTec (Germany), Ene-Farm (Japan), and others are included in the report.
Markets covered:
Global micro CHP market research report categorizes the global market of Micro Combined Heat and Power (CHP) on the basis of geography, application, and technology. It analyzes trends in each of the following submarkets:
On the basis of geography:
North America (U.S., Canada), Europe (Germany, UK, the Netherlands), and Asia-Pacific (Japan and South Korea)
On the basis of application:
Residential and commercial
On the basis of technology:
Internal combustion engine, stirling engine and PEMFC
Explore complete Table of Contents and get your copy of the report 'Global Micro Combined Heat & Power (CHP) (Microgeneration) Market by Technology, Geography, Application, Regulation, Market Trends & Forecasts (2011 – 2016)'.
More reports on the Energy & Power Industry.
