One-Kilowatt Cogeneration Unit at Final Testing Phase

Saibu Gas Co. will start to test the world's most compact 1 kW cogeneration unit at residential houses in September as a part of final technical verification for the first such unit to be commercialized home for use. Saibu plans to launch the system in March 2003.

The unit's overall energy efficiency approaches 85 percent, with electricity produced by the natural gas engine and hot water produced by the engine's exhaust heat. Automatic controls will adjust its operation to match individual conditions, allowing an average home to save light and fuel expenses amounting to 20,000 to 30,000 yen per year (U.S.$170-250), and produce carbon dioxide emissions 20 percent lower than what would be produced by conventional electricity or gas consumption.



Posted: 2002/08/26 03:28:23 PM
Japanese version