I agree with Karl in that micro generation gives a choice. It is our poor energy consumption decisions (which most of us of made at one time or another, I am a reformed halogen user) that make it seem we don't have choice. With increasing FiT for renewables and the choice in sustainable housing/living our choice is if we can adjust our lifestyles to consume more appropriately. The following article is worth a read, the first two paragraphs sum it up.
http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/AGL-Energy-boomerang-paradox-fuel-poverty
(BTW Karl I was trying to infer that Blue Gen is in most regards from Australia rather than wholly Australian as often quoted, )
CNCandy
The blue gen is the fuel cell,its really cool how it works
http://www.cfcl.com.au/Fuel_Cell_Facts/ (2nd link).
At max efficiency the output is 1.5kWe(36kWh day) this gives 0.5kWth(12kWh/day (43Mj))
http://www.cfcl.com.au/BlueGen/ (tech spec link page 2)
SanctuaryMiss
A quick calc shows energy savings are around $1400 per annum with SPT= 15+++++years...
(i tried to be generous with the estimation)
Gas = 1.82c/MJ @12.6 MJ/hr
All electricity would be used on site (no GFiT) kWh replacement cost = 20c/kWH
Hot water would replace elec hot water
no maintenance costs were factored in
GHG saving 14 tonnes per annum (NSW scope 1 & 2 only)
mmmmmm....
if heat pumps can get RECs....maybe we have to wait for energy efficient certificates (in 2012?) anyone good at lobbying?
I think micro CHP would be a better option, at least financially at this stage.But this wouldn't suit small dwellings such as houses, especially with the quantity of hot water produced from a CHP say at 20kWe.
So is another paradigm shift required to shift the culture that forces (nearly) every house and many multi dwelling apartments to operate as a standalone independent units? Does efficiency in shared resources offer greater benefits? I think the data (and 50,000 years of evolution) speaks for itself.
Posted Friday 15 Oct 2010 @ 12:20:09 pm from IP
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