The component and installation costs vary because of the facility size and other variables associated with the existing plumbing and electrical codes. Please refer to your dealer for specifics of your application. Costs, typically include engineering design, installation, and components -- ecopower unit, buffer tank, valves, disconnect switch, and electrical interface. A certified technician is required to install the system.
Every 4,000 hours—which under normal operation is once per year-- is the recommended time for changing oil, spark plug, and wire.
The sound made by the ecopower unit is less than 56 db(A) at one meter. This is quieter than a dishwasher, and about as loud as a refrigerator. It is designed to run inside, not outside.
The units are available for sale in North America now.
The ecopower microCHP has been in existence since 2000, and has been a market leader in Europe with 3,000 installs utilizing the Marathon engine.
The engine was developed as a long life engine for use in a heat pump. Development costs alone were over $70 million. It can run for 4,000 hours between maintenance cycles. The standard maintenance interval is 4,000 hours or one year. By comparison, a typical small engine may require an oil change every 200, 100 or as little as 50 hours.
The units are assembled/manufactured at our facility in East Troy, Wisconsin. The engines are manufactured in Wisconsin, and the complete units are assembled and tested there. Many of the ecopower™ components come from Europe.
Dealers throughout North America are currently being contracted. However, if you have questions, contact Marathon Engine Systems, 2050 Energy Dr., East Troy, WI. 53120. 262.642.6436 or go to the www.marathonengine.com Inquiry page to fill out an inquiry form.
The savings associated with the ecopower appliance depend upon a number of variables. To begin with, the costs for electric power (grid power) and gas (natural gas or propane) will be the main determining factors. This unit is designed to complement grid power; however, the ability to do that effectively is based on the costs for fuel in your area. A rule of thumb is that if you are paying more than $0.14 to $0.16/ kwh, the unit will pay for itself. Please use our Energy Calculator located on the Cogeneration / ecopower: Grid Connected tab to aid you in determining if ecopower will be an advantage for your application.
The answer depends on where you live and what the local policy is. Each state has it’s own regulations regarding Net Metering. You should research this to determine what amount of payback you can expect.
Legislation varies from state to state, and Federal Green Energy legislation is working toward a tax rebate, but homework relating to specific regions would have to be done.
Currently, the ecopower™ is designed to work only with a grid interconnect (i.e., it must see grid power to function). A grid independent version is under development.
As above, the current unit is designed to work with a power grid. Independent operation from the grid will be available with the ecoisland unit: That will also function as a backup power supply for your facility.
Without getting into thermodynamics, the unit will generate enough heat to handle a 2,500 sq. ft. house in Wisconsin with adequate heat. A note should be made that each residence varies because of insulation factors and related issues. Boilers are designed into systems for supplementary heat.
There is always a place for the unused electricity to go - back to the grid. However, excess heat is a bit more complicated. When heat demand is minimal, the unit goes into "Summer Production Mode" and can be utilized for domestic hot water heating only. Swimming pools or spas are ideal "heat sinks" for the heat during these months when building heat is not required and you want to generate electricity. For commercial applications and multifamily housing, heat demand can be large, even in summer months.
2050 Energy Drive - East Troy, WI 53120
Ph: 262-642-6436 – Fax: 262-642-6437