The schematic above shows how the ecopower™ microCHP functions in a hydronic (hot water based) heating system with multiple units. NOTE: This hydronic schematic is typical of the engineering analysis used to design an ecopower™ based heating system.

Heated water flows from ecopower™ (1) units to the Buffer tank (2). This tank is a thermal storage device that supplies hot water to the heating circuits (4) (5) and the potable water tank (7). The size of this tank is critical and typically between 200 and 315 gallons. The pump and mixer valve combination (8) is controlled by ecopower™ and mixes cold and hot water to the optimum temperature to cool the engine in ecopower.

The sensors (3) monitor the temperature in the Buffer Tank as well as room and outdoor temperatures. These data are fed back to the microprocessor in ecopower™ so that it maintains a constant heat value in the buffer tank. The Buffer Tank(s) are designed and sized to satisfy the load from: Heating Circuit 1 (4) and Heating Circuit 2 (5), and to support the Domestic Hot Water (7) needs.

To complete the system, a complementary modulating boiler (6) is added for two reasons; to add heat to the system on degree days when needed, and as a backup heat source.

The entire system is controlled by a microprocessor in ecopower™ and is fully programmable. In addition, the unit can be monitored via modem by service personnel for troubleshooting purposes.

In a multiple unit installationas shown here, one ecopower™ acts as the mastrer to control up to three more units.

Marathon Engine Systems

Multifamily

Multifamily applications for ecopower are designed with multiple units and up to three ecopowers controlled by a master unit. The architect / builder would assess the heating needs for multi family buildings using normal hydronic calculations, and then apply the needed number of ecopower appliances (and boiler backup) to support that need.

As shown in the hydronic diagram below, ecopower™ can support many individual living units. This modular concept becomes very beneficial in multifamily buildings, as only the needed appliances are started to support the heating need. Conventional wisdom of large boilers to support a relatively small heat requirement is a waste of energy, and has been supplanted by smaller, high efficiency forms of energy generation.

 

Click here for the Home Energy multifamily
article utilizing cogeneration.

 


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Used to augment the heat into the buffer tank for degree days where the ecopower cannot supply all the heat required. Also used as a backup.

Can be up to seven sensors that monitor ecopower's heat output to the buffer tank. Sensor placement is critical and designed into the system control function.
Can be up to seven sensors that monitor ecopower's heat output to the buffer tank. Sensor placement is critical and designed into the system control function.
Can be up to seven sensors that monitor ecopower's heat output to the buffer tank. Sensor placement is critical and designed into the system control function.
Can be up to seven sensors that monitor ecopower's heat output to the buffer tank. Sensor placement is critical and designed into the system control function.
microCHP generates heat (cooling water from the engine) which is sent to the buffer tank through a heat exchanger in ecopower.
The pump/mixer valve combination is contolled by ecopower and mixes cold and hot water for the optimum temperature to cool the engine and supply the buffer tank with water also at optimum temperature.
This tank is a thermal storage device that supplies hot water to the heating circuits and the potable water tank (7). The size of this tank is critical, and is typically anywhere from 150 to 325 gals.
Domestic water tank. Heated from buffer tank / ecopower.
Typical heating circuit with radiator.
Typical heating circuit with in-floor radiant heat.
Move your mouse cursor over each component for further explanation.
Multifamily
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