Experimental thermodynamic first and second law analysis of a variable output 1–4.5 kWe, ICE-driven, natural-gas fueled micro-CHP generator

Highlights: • Detailed experimental testing of a 1–4.5 kWe variable output mCHP generator. • First and Second law analyses were conducted on steady state measurements. • The electrical efficiency was 24.4 ± 0.7% with a utilization factor of 94.5 ± 12.6%. • Total second law efficiency was 33.7 ± 1.9%, higher than common residential heaters. • ICE, electric generator, and heat recovery loop analyses are reported. -- Abstract: This work experimentally assesses the thermodynamic performance of the only single kWe, variable-output, continuous duty, internal combustion engine driven, residential micro-combined heat and power (mCHP) generator (Marathon Engine Systems ecopower) available in the United States. The system underwent steady state testing over its full operating range, and first (energy) and second (exergy) law analyses were conducted on the collected data. At rated speed, first law results reveal the ecopower operated at an electrical efficiency of 24.4 ± 0.7% and a utilization factor of 94.5 ± 12.6%. At the same speed, the ecopower's second law electrical efficiency was 24.3 ± 0.8% and total second law efficiency (including exergy in both the recovered heat and electrical streams) was 33.7 ± 1.9%. This total second law efficiency was higher than that of common residential heating devices, including electric and gas furnaces and boilers, electric air-source heat pumps, and gas-engine driven heat pumps. Further, the ecopower outperformed most of these devices at all part-load conditions as well, indicating it would be an appropriate choice for a dispatchable generator to provide ancillary grid-support services in a future with increased variable renewable generator penetration. System-level and internal combustion engine irreversibilities are also presented to identify areas of inefficiency. The most prominent irreversibilities were (in decreasing magnitude) irreversible heat transfer, combustion irreversibility, frictional and pumping losses, followed by generator and power electronic losses.