Introduction

Whole Systems Approach to Ecological Design

Appropriate Technology: Water

Organic Agriculture and Local Food

Appropriate Technology: Energy

Green Building & Retrofitting

Combined Heat and Power (CHP)

CHP is particularly effective where the site has a requirement for both heat and electricity.  The non-fossil fuel can be methane from a farm or biomass from a local forest.  Above about ~1 MW the wood fuel can be gasified.  Smaller systems generate steam, which is used in a steam turbine.  This is not as efficient.  The heat is distributed through a district heating system.  There are now micro-CHP plants available, powered by gas.  However a wood pellet micro-CHP model is under development in Austria.  It is believed to be based on the Sterling engine.

• Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
• Ground Source Heat Pump – for the heating and cooling of buildings
• More on Geothermal Energy
  

Combined Heat and Power Plant