Cogen Configuration Options
The showroom at our facility is shown above. Cogeneration installations are configured depending upon your specific needs. Please move your mouse pointer over the buttons below to understand what components would be used in different applications.
Component Descriptions
ecopower Our microCHP. See information on the Cogeneration Tab. NOTE: The standard ecopower is a grid connected device. In other words, it is designed to complement grid power and not function as a back-up power supply.
ecoisland This is our forthcoming (2009) grid independent version of ecopower. The standard ecopower can be made a back up power supply with certain components (hi-lited on buttons three and four) that are common with ecoisland.
Buffer Tank A hot water storage device that is the interface between ecopower / ecoisland and the heating system in the building. The temperature in the Buffer Tank is controlled by ecopower based on programmed conditions set by the owner. This tank is purchased separately and sized for the application and can be one tank or multiple tanks, depending upon need.
Pump Package This is a pump and mixing valve that is included in the pricing with ecopower / ecoisland. These components are critical to the operation of the system as they control the flow of cooling water to the heat exchanger in ecopower.
Radiator This device is a heat "dump" and utilized in the ecoisland system and offered as an option for ecopower. The radiator expels heat from the buffer tank if the set temperature is exceeded. NOTE: This typically occurs if the ecopower is in the electrical generation mode and the generated heat cannot be expelled in the residence.
Transformer An isolation transformer used as a safety device to isolate ecopower from direct contact to the grid. This is required by code and included in the purchase price of the ecopower.
Battery Bank The battery supply for ecoisland as well as the grid backup version of ecopower. The batteries provide two functions: If ecopower (backup version) is running and grid power is lost, the batteries provide immediate power to the residence. With ecoisland, these batteries provide power for low voltage situations so the unit doesn't have to run and therefore conserves fuel.
Inverter This converts DC power from the Battery Bank to AC power for the residence. In addition, this provides a battery management program that optimizes battery life through periodically equalizing charging cycles.
Load Manager This device controls the output of excess electricity to a resistance heater in the Buffer Tank in the ecoisland system. In other words, if there is more electricity generated than needed (and there is no grid to send it to) the electricity must be consumed and it is sent to the resistance heater.
Distribution Center / Transfer Switch This is the switch control box for the electric connections in ecoisland, and also functions as a transfer switch in the backup version of ecopower.