Overview of Requirements for Dealers of

Marathon Engine Systems Representing

ecopower™ Micro CHP

 

 

The intent behind this summary is to point out the important features of ecopower™ so that one has a good understanding of what a CHP device can and cannot do.

• The ecopower™ CHP is primarily a heating device that also supplies electric power as a byproduct. 
• Yes, ecopower™can be used as an electrical generator, but heat storage becomes an issue----- both heat and power are generated at the same time.  Storage of electricity is not a problem. If more electrical energy is generated than used on-site, it can be sent back to the utility.   Storage of heat can be a problem because if there is not a heat demand there must be a “heat dump” or the unit will shut off.
• ecopower™is a grid- connected device.  It cannot function when the grid is not available.  The grid independent/backup version is in development, but it is not currently available in North America.  The timeframe for release is late this summer (08/09)
• Marathon Engine Systems (MES) will supply the ecopower™, buffer tank, the isolation transformer, mixing valve, and pump to get the system functioning to the buffer tank.  The system design after the buffer tank is up to you.  Integration into larger systems is something we can help with, but the sign- off is yours.
• In almost all cases a complementary boiler is needed for two reasons:  for degree- days where ecopower™can’t supply the required heat, and the fact that it acts as a backup for ecopower™.  The type and size of boiler is up to you the dealer.  In many cases, most of our dealers sell boilers also, and any good modulating, high efficiency boiler is acceptable.  Also note that ecopower™ has the ability to control the boiler.
• The ecopower™ can only work with our buffer tanks.  This is because the thermocouples located in the tank at different levels supply feedback to the microprocessor in ecopower™ and give it signals to modulate faster or slower depending upon heat needs. You should think of ecopower™ as a boiler that generates 43,000 Btu/hr to a buffer tank (typically 250 gal) which when fully heated holds the equivalent of about 160,000 Btu.
• There are over 3,000 installs in Europe to date, so the technology is proven.To that end, the main variable is the installation and the heating load.  Much information is available from these installations and we usually know when to say --- NO, it won’t work in this or that  application.

Dealer Requirements—

• The most important aspect of selling ecopower™ has to do with hydronic based heating systems.  Prior hydronic experience is a must.  In lieu of direct experience, you should have that type of knowledge available to your company--- ie with a subcontractor.
• The dealer price for an ecopower™ and the buffer tank will be provided to you.  The markup and systems integration is up to you.  Markets will dictate the pricing.  Of course quantity purchase discounts are available.
• We do not share the dealer pricing with potential customers.
• MES is open to an exclusive territory, but the argument must be compelling.  In other words, we would have to be convinced of your ability to support the territory.  The alternative is a non-exclusive agreement that must also define a geographical area.  If there are other dealers in the area, we would let you know.
• Your technicians must be trained on installation and service of the unit.  These aspects are your responsibility.  Training can be done with our technician at your facility or done at our facility in East Troy, Wisconsin.  Either way there is a cost involved--- to be determined beforehand.
• We do not sell through Wholesalers or Manufacturers Reps. We have found that this product does not support that standard type of infrastructure and/or the markups associated with that approach.