Overview
Micro-Combined Heat & power boilers, more commonly known as MCHPs, are able to generate heat and electric power simultaneously. Domestic MCHPs are powered from mains gas or liquified petroleum gas, although some can be powered by bio-liquids or oil. It is generally thought of as a low carbon option due being more efficient than drawing power from the grid and burning fossil fuels for heat. MCHPs are usually the size of a standard domestic boiler and are similar in servicing costs too.
Types of Micro-CHPs
- Internal Combustion Engine CHP
- Fuel Cell CHP Technology
- Stirling Engine
Internal Combustion Engine CHPs work by generating electricity and using the waste heat from the electrical generator’s cooling water and exhaust manifold for heating needs. They run on natural gas, heating oil or bio-fuels.
Fuel Cell CHP Technology uses the chemical energy from gas fuel, omitting the need to burn fuel. Methane in the gas supply is converted to CO2 and hydrogen via a steam reformer, then oxygen reacts with the hydrogen to produce electricity. Hot water heating systems are connected to this process to use the waste heat.
Stirling Engines are built into normal boilers. It’s an external combustion engine that heats up when the boiler is in use. When the engine heats up, the gas in the engine expands and produces electricity through a piston function. They are less efficient than Internal Combustion Engine CHPs as they only run when the central heating is being used.
Benefits of MCHP Boilers
Generate electricity while making heat
Straightforward Installation
Easy to Maintain
Reduces your Carbon Footprint
Costs & Maintenance of MCHP Boilers
Maintaining Micro-CHPs is much the same as usual gas boilers. Services cost about the same amount of time and money. Upfront costs of the unit and installation is between £5000 and £7000.
To get the most out of the MCHP, it needs to be on all the time in order to generate any power. Moreover, the electricity it does produce will not cover a whole household, it will just reduce the amount of electricity that is drawn from the grid.
Micro-CHP Boilers FAQs
How much do MCHPs cost?
Typically Micro-Combined Heat and Power Boilers cost from £5000 to £7000.
What's the difference between micro-CHP and CHP?
CHP units are used in industrial or commercial settings, whereas micro-CHPs are more suited to small/medium sized homes.
The main products from CHPs is electricity, and the main product from micro-CHPs is heat.
Are there any grants available for domestic MCHPs?
Not yet! They aren’t eligible on the Boiler Upgrade Scheme due to still drawing power from fossil fuels, unlike Air Source Heat Pumps or Ground Source Heat Pumps.
Can I install a MCHP Boiler myself?
The units themselves are very similar in size to a normal gas boiler so can easily be swapped out in your home. However, it is not a DIY job and should be installed by a trainer professional, just as you would ask them to install a new gas boiler.
