Electricity generation in the home: evaluation of single-house domestic combined heat and power

A 1 kW domestic combined heat and power (DCHP) system generating heat and electricity in the home is proposed and analysed. Electricity and gas consumption in a number of houses were measured and the resulting energy profiles used to predict the potential energy cost savings. The results show that 30% of a home´s electrical demand could be generated, cutting electricity costs by about a quarter. Also, while the most important characteristic of domestic CHP is high total efficiency, increasing the conversion rate of fuel energy to electricity beyond 20% generates little extra savings. CO₂, sulphur dioxide and NO_x emissions would also be reduced