ASHRAE to Develop Performance Standard for Micro Combined Heat and Power (Micro-CHP) Devices
August 4, 2010
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has approved the formation of a committee to develop a standard for the performance of micro combined heat and power (Micro-CHP) devices. Micro-CHP devices use fuel cell, internal combustion or Stirling engine technology to provide both electricity and thermal energy to residential or small-commercial applications.
The Standards Project Committee (SPC), number 204, is titled “Method of Test for Rating Micro Combined Heat and Power Devices.” The committee will provide a test method for determining the net electrical generating performance and heat recovery performance of Micro Combined Heat and Power devices, sometimes referred to as micro-cogeneration devices. It will also specify both the equipment and instrumentation required, test methods, and calculation procedures. The standard will apply to combined heat and power devices whose maximum net electrical power output is less than 50 kW. Provisions will be made for stand-alone devices and devices that are part of a packaged system that includes ancillary heating and cooling equipment. Committee information is available on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Buildings and Fire Laboratory (BIRL) Technical Committees and Standards Activities page.