Emerging Technologies
Freewatt is a micro-combined-heat-and-power (micro CHP) unit built for residential loads. CHP (or cogeneration) has been around at the industrial/commercial scale for quite a while, but here's something for homes: a combination generator + 95% efficient natural gas furnace or boiler produces electricity that can be fed back into the grid and heat for either a forced air or hydronic space heating system.
The generator produces about 1.2kWp electricity. The furnace capacity is 68 to 114 mBtu. The boiler capacity is 76 to 190 mBtu. It still requires natural gas for heating, and for generating electricity. The manufacturer claims it consumes 60% less fuel than a large power plant, good news for CO2 emissions. For the homeowner, the increase in natural gas consumed to produce both heat and power will be offset by reduction in electrical costs -- good news for those who have high kWh costs, or those who can benefit from a grid-connect tariff.
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