Developing the next generation in home heating

Microgen Energy and Dutch boiler manufacturer are working together to commercialise an alternative to the traditional heating boiler. The microCHP appliance produces electricity and heat and could achieve energy savings of 25% for an average household. Remeha is represented in the UK by Broag. This appliance combines condensing-boiler technology and a free-piston Stirling generator using natural gas to generate electricity and hot water. This Stirling engine has no maintenance requirements and can generate over 1 kW of electricity. The timetable for development is to develop a prototype for consumer testing in the winter of 2006/07. In March 2007, the microCHP will be unveiled at the ISH exhibition in Frankfurt and is scheduled to be launched later that year.