Efficient Small Engines for Combined Heat and Power Workshop
ARPA-E held a workshop on "Efficient Small Engines for Combined Heat and Power" from Wednesday, May 28 to Thursday, May 29 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont, IL.
The workshop convened experts in combustion systems, solid-state heat engines, and waste heat recovery and utilization technologies to identify innovative research paths leading to the development of devices that can provide electricity, heating, and cooling in a combined system in the 500 watt to 20 kilowatt range. Participants lent their expertise to discuss energy efficiency and cost targets that might define a successful research program. Market deployment factors such as cost reducing manufacturing approaches and non-technical market factors that systems must address (such as the utility interface) were also items of interest.
Approximately 50-60 experts from academia, national/federal labs, and industry participated. Information gained from the workshop will assist ARPA-E leadership in the development of potential programs and funding opportunities which target key technological roadblocks relevant to the ARPA-E mission. Proceedings from the meeting are summarized below.
Agenda: Wednesday, May 28th – Thursday, May 29th
Day 1: Morning Session
Welcome & Opening Remarks
CHP Background & Workshop Objectives
Expanded Use of CHP for Homes & Small Businesses
Bill Liss, Gas Technology Institute
Small Mechanical Engine Challenges
Fred Schauer, Air Force Research Laboratory
Thermoelectrics Overview
Day 1: Afternoon Session
Mechanical & Solid-State Engine Mini-Pitches
Michael Andrie, Engine Research Center
Case Study: Marathon
Mike Cocking, Marathon Engine Systems
Day 2: Morning Session
Utility Perspective on DG/CHP
David Berokoff, Southern California Gas Company
Overview of Heat Storage & Utilization
To ensure a diverse group of perspectives and a fruitful discussion, participation in the workshop was by invitation.
This workshop was closed to the media.