ABSTRACT

The possibility of substituting the diesel generator with other heat and electricity generators is being evaluated. A Norwegian company plans to establish production of a micro Combined Heat and Power generator using a Stirling engine as prime mover. The operational characteristics of a micro Combined Heat and Power generator fit well in a hybrid system with solar energy, since they complement each other. The electricity consumption is not dependent on the outside temperature and is therefore unchanged throughout the year. The general maintenance of the system is partly done by the user and includes changing the oil in the diesel engine every 400 hours of operation. The diesel genset and the PV/battery system alternate to supply the consumer with electricity. The genset is turned on or off automatically, depending on the load and the state of charge of the batteries.