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[[MiniCHP|Mini cogeneration]] is a so-called [[Distributed Energy Resource|distributed energy resource]] (DER). The installation is usually more than 5 [[Watt#Electrical_and_thermal_watts|kW<sub>e</sub>]] and less than 500 kW<sub>e</sub> in a building or medium sized business. In this size range the viability or utilisation factor of the CHP plant is very important to consider since it will greatly affect the efficiency and cost effectiveness (payback) of the CHP plant. The utilisation factor is essentially the calculated hours of operation of the CHP plant expressed as a percentage of the total number of hours in a year. If less than 40% then the application of CHP is considered to be unviable. To be viable a good baseload for electrical demand and heat demand must exist. Such baseloads arise where building occupation or process activities are extended or continuous in operation. This typically includes for hospitals, prisons, manufacturing processes, swimming pools, airports, hotels, apartment blocks, etc.
Current (2007) Micro- and MiniCHP installations use five different technologies: [[microturbines]], [[internal combustion]] engines, [[stirling engine]]s, closed cycle [[steam engine]]s and [[fuel cell]]s. One author indicates that MicroCHP based on Stirling engines is the most cost effective of the so-called microgeneration technologies in abating carbon emissions;<ref>[http://www.claverton-energy.com/what-is-microgeneration.html What is microgeneration? Jeremy Harrison, Claverton Energy Group Conference, Bath, Oct 24th 2008]</ref> however, advances in reciprocation engine technology are adding efficiency to CHP plant, particularly in the biogas field.<ref>[http://www.alfagy.com/ MiniCHP ranges and efficiencies Aug 15 2009]</ref> MiniCHP has a large role to play in the field of
==See also==
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