Think MicroCHP Is Just for Winter? Think Again—It’s a Hot-Water Powerhouse

Micro combined heat and power (microCHP) systems are often associated with heating homes during cold months. Many people think of them as devices that only provide warmth when temperatures drop. However, microCHP technology offers much more than just winter heating. It can be sized and designed to meet hot water needs throughout the entire year, making it a valuable solution regardless of the season.

What Is MicroCHP and How Does It Work?

MicroCHP systems generate electricity and capture the heat produced during this process to provide heating and hot water. Unlike traditional boilers that only produce heat, microCHP units create electricity on-site, reducing reliance on the grid and improving overall energy efficiency.

The key to microCHP’s efficiency lies in its ability to use waste heat from electricity generation. This heat can be directed to warm water tanks or heating systems. While many potential users focus on the heating aspect during winter, the hot water production is continuous and can be used year-round.

Why Hot Water Demand Is a Year-Round Concern

Hot water is essential every day, regardless of the weather. People need hot water for:

• Showering and bathing

• Cooking and cleaning

• Laundry and dishwashing

  
  

In many homes and businesses, hot water demand remains steady or even increases during warmer months due to activities like gardening, outdoor cooking, or increased hygiene practices.

Sizing a microCHP system only for heating needs during cold months can lead to inefficiencies or insufficient hot water supply during other times of the year. Properly sizing the system to meet hot water demand ensures continuous comfort and energy savings.

Sizing MicroCHP for Hot Water Use

Sizing a microCHP system involves understanding the household or building’s hot water consumption patterns. This includes:

• Daily hot water volume needed

• Peak usage times

• Seasonal variations in hot water use

  
  

A system sized for year-round hot water demand will typically have a hot water storage tank designed to maintain supply during peak periods. This approach avoids undersizing, which can lead to reliance on backup heating systems, or oversizing, which wastes energy and increases costs.

Benefits of Year-Round Hot Water Production with MicroCHP

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

By generating electricity and capturing heat simultaneously, microCHP systems can reduce energy bills. Producing hot water year-round means less reliance on electric or gas water heaters, which can be less efficient.

Reduced Carbon Footprint

Using microCHP reduces greenhouse gas emissions by maximizing fuel use and lowering grid electricity consumption. This benefit applies regardless of the season, supporting sustainability goals.

Reliable Hot Water Supply

A microCHP system ensures that hot water is always available, even during high-demand periods. This reliability is crucial for households, small businesses, and facilities like care homes or gyms.

Case Study: MicroCHP in a Mixed-Use Building

A small apartment complex in a temperate climate installed a microCHP system sized for hot water demand. The building has consistent hot water demand throughout the year due to residents’ daily needs and a shared laundry facility.

The microCHP unit provided:

• Continuous hot water supply

• Electricity for common areas

• Reduced overall energy costs by 25%

  
  

This example shows how microCHP can be tailored to meet specific hot water demands beyond just heating during cold weather.

Conclusion

Sizing microCHP systems for hot water use unlocks their full potential, providing energy savings and comfort throughout the year. This approach moves beyond the common perception that microCHP is only for winter heating. Instead, it highlights microCHP as a smart, flexible solution for continuous hot water supply in any climate.