Niederkappel, Austria and En-Harod, Israel (PRWEB) July 16, 2014
ÖkoFEN – Europe’s specialist in pellet heating, and Qnergy – a global leader in Stirling energy solutions, are pleased to announce the joint development of a revolutionary 6kWe electricity-generating pellet boiler system. Ideally suited for residential and small commercial applications, the combined heat and power (CHP) unit will integrate Qnergy’s QB7500 free-piston Stirling engine into a state-of-the-art wood pellet boiler developed by ÖkoFEN.
Fueled by inexpensive, carbon-neutral wood pellets, the new CHP boiler with integrated Stirling engine is expected to generate 6kW of electricity, and has the potential to produce even more. This rate of electric power generation is almost one magnitude higher than any known comparable boiler.
“We expect this progressive energy technology to open up new markets to ÖkoFEN,” said company founder and CEO Herbert Ortner. “Our wood pellet boilers have always offered a highly efficient, true green and renewable alternative, but just for hot water production. Pairing our technology with Qnergy’s expertise in Stirling-based power generation will not only fill an immediate market need, but will enhance our ability to sell both thermal and green electrical energy to commercial prospects.”
Noted Qnergy CEO Erez Harel, “Partnering with ÖkoFEN on this unique design not only allows both companies to broaden product offerings and access new markets, but it also marks a significant milestone in our shared pursuit of affordable, alternative energy solutions for customers. Our fuel-agnostic, compact engine design and maintenance-free operation are making it possible for Qnergy and its partners to meet the most stringent requirements for next-generation CHP systems.”
How It Works
As the wood pellets are burned, heat from the burner flue gas is transferred to the head of the QB7500 external combustion Stirling engine, initiating a cyclic heating and cooling process of inert gas inside the engine. During this thermodynamic process, electricity is generated via the QB7500’s linear alternator.
The heat then travels through the boiler to supply hot water for space heating, domestic use or for industrial and commercial process needs. This cutting edge cogeneration system generates inexpensive grid-quality electricity as a by-product of low-cost, environmentally friendly hot water production.
ÖkoFEN has sold more than 60,000 units since first introducing its unique wood pellet boiler. The company estimates the current overall market for wood pellet boilers at 90,000 systems annually, with the majority of sales in Europe. Worldwide, increased interest in these eco-friendly boilers combined with the added capability of cogeneration is expected to push the global market growth rate to nearly 20% annually.
About ÖkoFEN
ÖkoFEN is the European specialist in pellet heating. Ecological research and development of small-scale ecological biomass heating systems was their primary objective and this mission is reflected in their company name ÖkoFEN. Ecology is the middle point of all their activities and is their philosophy throughout the whole company. When wood pellets were launched on the Austrian market in 1996, ÖkoFEN was the first Austrian manufacturer to offer an officially-certified pellet heating system to the public, in 1997. This pioneering activity has had wide-ranging effects throughout the industry and represents the beginning of a period of extraordinary market development.
http://www.oekofen.com
About Qnergy
Qnergy is an energy technology company developing and manufacturing high-efficiency Stirling-based power generation systems for residential, commercial, and industrial installations. A spin-off of Ricor Cryogenic and Vacuum Systems, Qnergy's Stirling technology has been successfully deployed in power systems for more than 40 years. With facilities in Israel and the United States, Qnergy offers a broad array of energy solutions including micro-combined heat and power (mCHP), solar power generation and solar CHP, remote power generation and more. For more information about Qnergy’s Stirling platform and products, please visit http://www.qnergy.com.