How EcoPrime™ microCHP Turns One Fuel Source into Heat, Hot Water, and Electricity

Energy costs continue to rise, and building owners are searching for ways to reduce utility expenses while improving energy resilience. Traditional energy systems force facilities to purchase electricity from the grid while separately generating heat and hot water. This approach wastes energy and increases operating costs.

EcoPrime microCHP changes that equation.

By simultaneously producing electricity and useful thermal energy from a single fuel source, EcoPrime helps building owners lower utility costs, reduce emissions, and improve overall energy efficiency.

What Is microCHP?

Micro Combined Heat and Power (microCHP) is a technology that generates electricity and thermal energy at the same time. Unlike conventional power plants that waste a significant portion of their energy as heat, microCHP systems capture that heat and put it to work within the building.

The result is a highly efficient energy system that can achieve efficiencies exceeding 90%, significantly outperforming traditional methods of generating heat and electricity separately.

How EcoPrime Works

At the heart of the EcoPrime system is a liquid-cooled Marathon engine fueled by either natural gas or propane. As the engine operates, it drives a generator that produces electricity for on-site use. At the same time, the heat normally lost during power generation is captured and recovered through a heat exchanger.

The process works in four simple steps:

1. Fuel Powers the Engine

Natural gas or propane fuels the Marathon engine, providing reliable and continuous operation.

2. Electricity Is Generated On-Site

The engine drives a generator that produces electricity. This power can be used immediately within the facility, reducing dependence on utility-supplied electricity.

3. Heat Is Captured Instead of Wasted

Unlike conventional generators that release heat into the atmosphere, EcoPrime captures this thermal energy through an integrated heat exchanger.

4. Thermal Energy Is Put to Work

The recovered heat can be used for:

• Domestic hot water

• Space heating

• Swimming pool heating

• Hydronic heating systems

• Buffer tank thermal storage

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This means one fuel source is performing multiple jobs simultaneously, maximizing efficiency and reducing waste.

Intelligent Modulation Maximizes Runtime

One of EcoPrime's unique advantages is its ability to modulate based on thermal demand. Rather than operating at a fixed output, the system continuously adjusts to the building's heating requirements.

This allows EcoPrime to stay online longer, generating both heat and electricity whenever thermal demand exists. The longer the system runs, the greater the potential energy savings.

The unit can produce between 13,000 and 47,000 BTUs of thermal energy per hour while generating 1.2 to 4.4 kW of electricity.

Why Higher Thermal Loads Deliver Better Returns

Because EcoPrime operates based on thermal demand, buildings with consistent heating or hot water requirements typically achieve the strongest financial returns.

Ideal applications include:

• Multi-family housing

• Hotels

• Senior living facilities

• Schools

• Athletic facilities

• Restaurants

• Breweries

• Manufacturing facilities

• Office buildings

• Homes with swimming pools

• Car washes

  
  

Facilities with year-round hot water demand allow the system to operate continuously, maximizing electricity production and accelerating payback.

Lower Costs, Lower Emissions

By generating electricity on-site while utilizing recovered heat, EcoPrime can significantly reduce utility costs and lower dependence on the electric grid. Building owners benefit from lower operating expenses while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions by up to 30 percent compared to conventional energy generation methods.

As utility rates continue to rise, producing energy where it is consumed becomes an increasingly attractive strategy for businesses and property owners seeking long-term cost stability.

Built for Long-Term Reliability

EcoPrime was engineered for continuous operation. Featuring a Marathon engine with an expected service life of approximately 40,000 hours and long maintenance intervals, the system is designed to provide dependable performance for years to come.

Whether installed as a standalone unit or configured in parallel for larger facilities, EcoPrime offers a scalable solution that grows with energy demand.

The Future of On-Site Energy

Traditional energy systems waste valuable resources. EcoPrime takes a smarter approach by capturing and utilizing energy that would otherwise be lost.

The result is a system that simultaneously generates electricity, produces useful heat, lowers emissions, and reduces energy costs, all from a single fuel source. For building owners looking to improve efficiency and gain greater control over their energy future, microCHP represents one of the most practical solutions available today.

Ready to See if EcoPrime Is Right for Your Facility?

The best way to determine whether microCHP makes sense for your building is through a feasibility assessment. By reviewing your thermal and electrical loads, Axiom Energy Group can help identify potential savings and estimate project payback.

Contact Axiom Energy Group today to learn how EcoPrime can help your facility reduce costs, improve efficiency, and generate cleaner energy on-site.