Viessmann combined heat and power generation system: efficient power and heat generation for single-family homes, large residential buildings, commerce, industry, and municipal authorities Viessmann has extended its product range for combined heat and power generation and ISH 2015 sees it presenting - Vitovalor 300-P – the first fuel cell unit to enter mass production. This innovative system produces both heat and electricity at the same time in an exceptionally environmentally friendly solution, thus decreasing the owner's dependence on the public power network. - The Vitotwin 300-W and Vitotwin 350-F micro CHP systems based on a Stirling engine can now be operated using the Vitotrol app on a smartphone or tablet PC. There are also new storage concepts available for Vitotwin 300-W to adapt to different system configurations as required. - The new, wall-mounted electricity storage systems for micro CHP systems Vitovalor 300-P, Vitotwin 300-W and Vitotwin 350-F can increase use of self-generated electricity and minimize the purchase of expensive mains electricity. - The new CHP unit Vitobloc 200 EM-530/660 has now been added to top Viessmann's range of gas engine combined heat and power generation units. Vitovalor 300-P: fuel cell unit for environmentally friendly power and heating supply for singleand two-family homes With Vitovalor 300-P, Viessmann has pioneered fuel cell technology that is now available for environmentally friendly generating power and heat in single- and two-family homes. The device was honored with the renowned f-cell award, presented by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Environment, Climate Protection and the Energy Sector as part of the Fuel Cell Innovation Awards last October. Energy cost savings up to 40 percent Viessmann developed a combined heat and power generation system in a joint venture with Japanese-based Panasonic. When using this system, the owner can save up to 40 percent energy costs and reduce CO2 emissions by about fifty percent compared with a gas condensing boiler or conventional purchase of mains electricity. This power-generating heating system produces up to 15 kWh during the course of the day, enough to cover most household power requirements. The unit increases independence from the public power supply and reduces the cost of expensive electricity from the grid accordingly. The heat produced when power is generated in the fuel cell is used for heating or DHW generation. An integrated gas condensing boiler switches on automatically when heat demands are greater. Fuel cell already installed in more than 50,000 locations in Japan The fuel cell module is a PEM fuel cell (polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell) run on natural gas, which Panasonic has now installed at over 50,000 locations in Japan. It is designed to offer a lifespan of at least 60,000 operating hours, which corresponds to around 10 years. Viessmann has integrated this technology into a compact, complete system with a peak-load gas condensing boiler, buffer and DHW cylinders, and system controls. Installation as for compact gas condensing boilers Vitovalor 300-P consists of two units – the fuel cell module and peak load module, which can be transported separately and require floor space of just 0.65 m2. Both modules are fully preassembled, which makes fitting easy and ensures short installation times. Fitters only need to connect the natural gas supply, an exhaust gas/intake air line, heating flow and return lines, and drinking water pipes. The fuel cell unit is thus just as easy to install as a Viessmann compact gas condensing boiler. Fitters then only need to connect to the electric mains to obtain power or to feed the generated power into the grid. Maintenance-free desulfurization A two-year maintenance interval is quite sufficient for the gas condensing boiler. The fuel cell also only needs to be serviced every two years. Maintenance tasks are limited to air and water filter replacement, which takes just a few minutes. The fuel cell's natural gas desulfurization system is maintenance-free. Attractive subsidy options The fuel cell unit is subsidized by the German government as a particularly energy-efficient future technology. As a result, owners receive a total of 3,515 euros (base and bonus incentive) as an investment grant from the German Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA). Furthermore, there are numerous regional incentive programs that subsidize purchases. Detailed information, a full summary of the various incentive options, and application forms are available online at www.vitovalor.de. Owners also receive 5.41 euro cents for each kWh generated as stipulated by the German Combined Heat and Power Generation Act. Energy tax on fuel cell gas consumption is reimbursed at the end of the year. The electricity, gas, and heat meters required to ensure compliance with requirements are already integrated into the unit. This saves homeowners additional costs of more than 2,000 euros that they would normally need to pay to have the meters installed themselves. Advantages for market partners - Easy, quick installation ("Plug & Power") due to preassembled components - Only an exhaust system is required; no additional water connection is needed for fuel cell operation. - Efficient operation at peak load thanks to the integrated gas condensing boiler - Simple to transport in two parts; footprint of just 0.65 m2 - Accessories from the existing wall-mounted gas boiler range can be used for hydraulic and exhaust gas supply air system. Advantages for owners - CO2 emissions reduced by up to 50 % compared to centralized electricity generation and decentralized heat generation - Up to 40 % savings on energy costs and less dependence on increasing electricity prices - Integrated electricity, gas, and heat meters to calculate state electricity subsidy and energy tax reimbursement - Low-noise operation as with gas condensing boilers since there are no moving parts in the fuel cell module - Remote operation and monitoring of current power generation data and maintenance information on smartphone or tablet PC - Reliable, time-tested technology – the fuel cell module has been used in Japan for seven years; now installed in over 50,000 locations - Reliable due to maintenance agreement with performance and function-related guarantee for all key components Technical specifications Fuel cell module: - Electrical output 750 W - Thermal output 1 kW - Electrical efficiency: 37 % (Hi) - Overall efficiency: 90 % (Hi) Peak load gas condensing boiler: - Thermal output: 5.5 to 19 kW - Utilization rate: 98 % (Hs) Availability The fuel cell heating unit Vitovalor 300-P powered with natural gas is available now. Vitotwin 300-W and 350-F: heat and power supply for upgrading older systems The micro CHP units Vitotwin 300-W and Vitotwin 350-F are equipped with Stirling engines and integrated peak load gas condensing boilers, which makes them ideally suited to cover the basic electricity load and fully cover the heating needs when single- and two-family homes are modernized. Vitotwin 300-W is a micro CHP system for space-saving installation on walls. The floor-standing compact device Vitotwin 350-F also features an integrated 175-liter heating water buffer cylinder. The optional Vitotrol app now also permits remote operation of both units anytime and from anywhere. What's more, new storage designs provide even greater flexibility in their application options. Modulating Stirling engine Vitotwin 300-W and 350-F are the only micro CHP units in the world to feature a Stirling engine which can be operated in modulating mode. The engine delivers an electric output between 0.6 and 1 kW. Due to demand-oriented output modulation, the Stirling engine thermal output is between 3.6 and 5.3 kW. This ensures long running times, during which inexpensive power is produced. The Stirling engine’s overall efficiency can reach up to 96 % (Hs). Integrated gas condensing technology for peak loads Combined with the time-tested MatriX gas burner and the rust-free stainless steel radial heat exchanger, the integrated gas condensing boiler delivers additional heat to cover peaks in heat demand on very cold days and provides instant DHW heating. The Stirling engine and gas condensing boiler can be run on natural or liquid gas. The total heat output from Vitotwin 300-W or Vitotwin 350-F is 26 kW. Power as required Vitotwin 350-F has a power demand function that allows householders to use inexpensive, self-generated power for temporary increases in electricity demand to run appliances such as a washing machine. The user simply presses the corresponding button on the wireless remote control or the designated icon on the Vitotrol app on their smartphone and the Stirling engine produces electricity irrespective of the current heat demand. Alternatively, an individual program can also be set on a timer. An optional wireless remote socket can be conveniently used to ensure that electricity requirements are met automatically. Remote monitoring via Vitotrol app In addition to the wireless remote control included in the package, there is the new, optional Vitotrol remote control app for smartphones and tablet PCs, which provides optimum convenience. It can be used to monitor and operate up to three heating circuits. Users can now make settings in heating programs, adjust target values, and access system information from any place at any time. Pictograms are used to assist with controls and the system can be operated intuitively. New storage designs – a suitable solution for every application The wall-mounted unit Vitotwin 300-W is easy to operate with its small, space-saving heating water buffer cylinders or combination cylinders. This is why there are now new storage concepts available. The combination between a heating water buffer and separate DHW generation is eminently suitable for upgrading projects thanks to their optimum versatility. The new heating water buffer cylinder Vitocell 140-E (Type SEIB) has a 400-liter capacity for storing heating water and was developed specifically for the micro CHP unit. A DHW cylinder of any size or the fresh water module Vitotrans 353 can then be installed for DHW generation. Vitotrans 353 is available in three output versions (25, 48, and 68 liters per minute) for on-demand DHW generation. The new combination cylinder Vitocell 340-M with a capacity of 400 liters is a highly compact solution for new buildings and upgrading older ones. Drinking water is heated in a stainless steel corrugated pipe, where it is heated by heating water in a continuous flow process. Attractive promotion program The two new cylinders comply with the German Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) subsidy requirements applicable since January 1, 2015. This allows homeowners to receive financial support of up to 2,375 euros for systems fitted with Vitotwin 300-W or Vitotwin 350-F. 5.41 euro cents are also received for each kilowatt hour of power generated as per the German Combined Heat and Power Generation Act. Moreover, the energy tax on fuel cell gas consumption is reimbursed at the end of the year. The electricity, gas, and heat meters required to ensure compliance with requirements are already integrated into units. Simply one gas connection and one exhaust gas line Unlike micro CHP systems with combustion engines, Vitotwin units require just one gas connection (natural gas E, LL, or liquid gas) and one exhaust gas line. As a result, there is no additional installation outlay, ensuring lower installation costs for homeowners. Flow balancing can increase system efficiency by up to 15 percent. The optional, TÜV-certified (German technical supervisory association) Vitoflow measurement procedure can be used to perform hydraulic balancing in an automated process. System hydraulics can be optimized in less than hour with no specialist knowledge required and within a very short period of time. Servicing the units is just as easy as installing them. The Stirling engine is completely maintenance-free, requiring neither filters nor lubricant, since all moving parts are in a hermetically sealed enclosure containing helium. Advantages for market partners - Easy transport as delivered in three sections (Vitotwin 350F) - No extra work for installation and maintenance compared to compact gas condensing boilers (maintenance-free Stirling engine) - No additional metering systems needed thanks to integrated meters (electrical, gas, heat) - Easy to install thanks to ready-to-use external component assemblies - Effortless servicing thanks to ready access to all components requiring maintenance - Remote monitoring possible with Vitocom Advantages for owners - Less exposure to fluctuating electricity prices thanks to own power-generating capability - Attractive subsidy program - Targeted use of self-generated power thanks to ondemand power by pressing a button or using a timer or wireless remote sockets - Integrated meters for electricity, heat, and gas reduce installation costs and permits German Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) incentives or energy tax reimbursement without customer needing to supply own meter - Various options for operation using wireless remote control (included in delivery), Vitodata or Vitotrol app Technical specifications Stirling engine: - Electrical output: 0.6 to 1.0 kW - Thermal output: 3.6 to 5.3 kW - Electrical efficiency: 15 % (Hi) - Overall efficiency: 96 % (Hs) Peak load gas condensing boiler: - Thermal output: 6.0 to 20 kW - Utilization rate: 98 % (Hs) Availability The new Vitotrol app for the micro CHP systems Vitotwin 300-M and 350-F will be available from April 2015. The new heating water buffer cylinder Vitocell 140-E and the new combination cylinder Vitocell 340-M will also be launched onto the market in April 2015. Wall-mounted electricity storage system for power grid independence The new electricity storage system (type LAA) allows operators of photovoltaic systems, Vitovalor 300-P micro CHP systems, Vitotwin 300-W, and Vitotwin 350-F to use a greater proportion of their self-generated power in their own home, thus minimizing purchase of expensive power from the grid. This reduces energy costs and creates greater independence from public supply networks and trends in energy costs. Furthermore, micro CHP system owners with electricity storage systems have no worries when there are power outages in the public power supply. The storage unit can supplement the power generated by the micro CHP system in such cases. Independent, off-grid network operation is even possible for residential housing that is not connected to the public power grid, such as vacation homes. Cutting-edge cell technology for more than 5,000 charging cycles The compact electricity storage system features state-of-the-art lithium-ion cell technology. This permits a discharge depth of 90 percent, which is significantly higher than in other comparable storage units. With a storage capacity of up to 5.5 kWh, 4.95 kWh of electrical energy is available for use. The integrated battery management system regulates charging and discharging processes automatically, thus extending cell lifespans. The unit is designed to last a minimum of 5,000 charging cycles, thus ensuring trouble-free storage operation for up to 20 years. Simple installation Weighing just 62 kilograms, the electricity storage system is very light and easy to transport. Compact dimensions and an attractive design ensure it can be easily integrated into living spaces. Familiar components such as inverters, switchover boxes to switch between mains electricity and storage or CHP electricity, and plugand-play configuration ensure that the system is quickly and easily installed. It is also simple to retrofit into existing systems or combine with photovoltaic systems. Advantages for market partners - Appealing supplement to micro CHP systems - Fast, easy installation thanks to an integrated system with existing components, such as inverter and plug & play functionality - Robust, maintenance-free technology - 10-year warranty - Suitable for combination with photovoltaic systems in addition to micro CHP units - Can be retrofitted into existing systems Advantages for owners - Financial benefit thanks to greater use of self-generated electricity and reduction in costs due to purchasing electricity from the grid - More reliable because of available backup during power outages - Independence – off-grid network operation is possible in combination with Vitotwin 300-W/350-F (for buildings without mains connection). - Future-proof investment due to high number of cycles and expected 20-year service life - Low space requirement thanks to high storage density - Can be integrated into living areas because of its attractive design Technical specifications - Storage capacity: 0.55 to 5.5 kWh - Usable energy output: 4.95 kWh - Charging cycles: > 5,000 - Weight: 62 kg Availability The Viessmann Vitovolt LAA electricity storage system is available from April 2015. Vitobloc 200: new CHP unit with 530 kW electrical output With an electrical output of 530 kW and thermal output of 660 kW, Vitobloc 200 EM-530/660 completes the selection of gas enginepowered combined heat and power generation units (CHP unit) available in the upper range. This model now brings the total number of CHP units available with outputs between 6 and 530 kW to eleven. This means that there is an ideal module size available for every use. Most compact CHP unit in its performance class Unlike other CHP units in this performance class, the new Vitobloc 200 EM-530/660 components, such as the exhaust gas heat exchanger, the plate-type heat exchanger, catalyzer, and lubricating oil tank are integrated with the housing. With a footprint of a little more than 13 cubic meters, it is the most compact unit on the market and takes up very little room and vertical space. Flexible operating mode The new CHP unit can be operated with both heat and gas. The electrical output can be continuously modulated between 50 and 100 percent of the nominal output. It can also be used for emergency power operation in addition to parallel processing mode. The CHP unit is equipped with starter batteries for this purpose. This means that the CHP unit can be started up in the event of a mains power failure and is then capable of supplying electricity to the system. Stable degree of efficiency over entire service life Specially conceived for stationary operation, the turbocharged 12cylinder engine drives a synchronous generator. Its design and moderate engine load ensure long maintenance intervals, a long lifespan, and a stable degree of efficiency over the entire service life. It also guarantees a high level of operational reliability and thus largely retains its value. Quality assured thanks to factory testing Each individual CHP unit undergoes extensive testing on a test bed before dispatch. All designated performance values are checked and documented to ensure consistent high quality in each CHP unit shipped. Certificate in compliance with medium-voltage network guidelines CHP unit users are required to present a certificate for mains connection. This document ensures that generating facilities only feed in power that complies with the power network operator's requirements. Like all Viessmann CHP units, the new module also holds the full unit certification which complies with the German Federal Association of the Energy and Water Industry (BDEW) guidelines. Moreover, the synchronous generator also features automatic network adaptation for the phase shift (cos-φ). The system is adjusted to the power grid using parametrization in the software or based on signals directly from the power network operator. This means that all requirements are met for easy connection to the power grid. Low planning and installation outlay The CHP unit is delivered ready for operation. Planning and installation is thus reduced to a minimum. Advantages for market partners - Low planning and installation outlay - Always fulfills the power network operator's connection conditions Advantages for owners - Requires the least amount of space in its performance class - Flexible operating mode - Reliability in supply thanks to default mains replacement function - Consistent electrical efficiency throughout life cycle - Easy registration with the network operator using a unit certification in compliance with BDEW guidelines Technical specifications - Electrical output: 530 kW - Thermal output: 660 kW - Output modulation: 50-100 % - Electrical efficiency: up to 39.5 % Availability The new Vitobloc 200 EM-530/660 module is available to order now. Comprehensive range of products for all fuel sources Combined heat and power generation systems are a permanent, integral part of Viessmann's comprehensive range of products. The range also offers customized solutions with efficient systems and outputs between 1.0 and 120,000 kW for all application areas and all fuel types. These include wall-mounted condensing boilers with an output between 1.9 and 150 kW and floor-standing condensing systems between 1.0 and 6,000 kW. Viessmann provides a 10-year warranty against leaks due to corrosion for the stainless steel radial heat exchangers in gas and oil condensing boilers and micro CHP systems, (www.viessmann.de/garantie). Also part of this impressive portfolio are systems for renewables including solar thermal systems with flat-plate and vacuum tube collectors for DHW generation, auxiliary heating, and process heat generation, biomass boilers from 2.4 kW to 50,000 kW for wood logs, chips, and pellets, heat pumps from 1.7 to 2,000 kW for use with geothermal heat, groundwater or ambient air, and photovoltaic systems. Viessmann also supplies everything from a single source for local heating networks and bioenergy villages – from initial feasibility studies and detail engineering through to the delivery of all necessary components, such as biogas systems, heat generators, CHP modules, geothermal piping and residential transfer stations, and construction and commissioning. Comprehensive services portfolio Furthermore, Viessmann supports their market partners with a comprehensive services portfolio. This includes a flexible logistics concept, a customer-oriented service concept from its Technical Service Department, the needs-based Viessmann Academy training program, campaign-related promotional material, the online portal, and guaranteed sales thanks to brand presence at winter sports events. Images / captions Image 1: With Vitovalor 300-P, Viessmann is the first manufacturer to bring a mass-produced fuel cell unit onto the European market. Image 2: The new storage system designs for Viessmann's micro CHP units Vitotwin 300-W and 350-F save space and offer even greater flexibility for use. Image 3: The new, wall-mounted electricity storage system by Viessmann enables owners of micro CHP systems Vitovalor 300P, Vitotwin 300-W, and Vitotwin 350-F to reduce their need for expensive grid power. Image 4: Viessmann's new CHP Vitobloc 200 EM-530/660 unit requires just slightly over 13 m3 of space, making it the most compact unit in its performance class on the market. March 2015