The U.S. Green Building Council’s Greenbuild International Conference and Expo 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts, presented American Honda Motor Company, Inc.’s all-new Micro-sized Combined Heat and Power (MCHP) Deluxe cogeneration unit. As well as providing home heating and water heating, Honda’s MCHP is also an electrical power generator. It was introduced to Japan in 2003 and to the US in 2007. Combined with an automatic backup power feature (a residential stand-by generator), the Honda MCHP Deluxe system provides home heating and power with advanced, highly efficient energy management technologies. During power outages, back-up power is provided by a residential stand-by generator.
Honda MCHP Deluxe modules can be combined with furnace systems such as ECR International’s freewatt system to provide heat for the house while generating electricity as well. With a reputation for innovation, quality, performance, and reliability, ECR is an American manufacturer of hydronic and forced air products, based in the United States.
Honda MCHP: Features and Benefits
During the heating process, freewatt generates electric power. The Honda MCHP module has been shown to provide 75 percent of a home’s heating demand while also powering light, small appliances and security systems in the freewatt application. Homeowners can save $500 to $1,000 on their electric bills per year by using the electric power produced by the system instead of electricity they would otherwise purchase from local electric utilities.
A freewatt system also offers additional, unique financial benefits to MCHP owners by utilizing net metering. The MCHP can be used to generate electricity that homeowners can sell to the local utility, thereby saving money on electricity costs in states where this energy policy is legislated.
With a battery-back-up system incorporated in the Honda MCHP Deluxe system, you can start the system in back-up power mode during utility outages with a long-life nickel metal hydride battery that will last for five years. As part of the MCHP system, a Honda standby generator provides backup power in case of a power outage.
-
Operates on natural gas or propane;
-
With 1.8 kilowatts of power output in boost and back up modes, this DC/DC converter detects utility power outages;
-
Enhances engine performance by incorporating sensor technology.
An improvement over Honda’s Standard MCHP system which produces a maximum of 1.2 kilowatts of power, the ultra-quiet MCHP Deluxe generates 3.26 kilowatts of heat and 1.8 kilowatts of electric power. While improving energy efficiency and comfort, both models allow homeowners to reduce their utility bills and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Homeowners can realize an average 30 percent energy cost savings when Honda MCHP systems are paired with products such as ECR’s freewatt to replace a typical home heating system that has an 80 percent efficiency.
Also, unlike conventional heating systems with electricity from the grid, this system emits 30 percent fewer greenhouse gases, allowing homeowners to make a difference in global warming.
In addition, the system ensures that air is continuously circulated throughout the home at an exceptionally quiet speed, enhancing comfort at home without running noisy blowers.
In all markets in which Honda sells its products, Steve Bailey, American Honda’s vice president of power equipment, said the company’s mission is to provide our customers with high-quality, innovative and environmentally responsible products. By reducing greenhouse gasses, reducing energy consumption, and saving money on their heating, Honda MCHP systems help homeowners achieve this mission while providing high levels of comfort and performance.
Honda MCHP: Operational Footprint
MCHP operates in a similar manner to early, expensive Combined Heat & Power (CHP) systems designed for commercial and industrial use. The Honda MCHP and the Honda MCHP Deluxe have been designed for smaller installations, such as single-family residences, by reducing the original footprint and refining the technology.
Since its introduction in 2003, more than 60,000 Honda MCHP units have been sold worldwide. The Honda MCHP Deluxe will be sold exclusively in the United States.
During 2007, Honda sold more than 22 million engines for cars, motorcycles and power equipment, making it the world’s leading engine manufacturer. In addition to their unrivaled reputation for durability, reliability and quality, Honda engines are characterized by clean, quiet, fuel-efficient technology.
Editors Note:
Located in California, Honda Power Equipment manufactures and markets outdoor power equipment for commercial, rental, and residential applications, including outboard marine engines, generators, lawnmowers, pumps, snowblowers, tillers, and trimmers. In addition to offering a comprehensive product line, it only uses 4stroke engines that are environmentally friendly.
Subscribe to Email Updates :
Add Comment