DACHS – Benefits

The DACHS mini-CHP unit offers energy cost savings and significant environmental benefits for the first time in sub-10kWe power output range.

The natural gas fuelled DACHS displaces around 5.5kWe of electricity, normally imported from the grid network. Using engine component heat exchangers, the DACHS also produces approximately 12.5kWth of thermal energy, used to heat water for space heating and domestic hot water production, reducing the amount of fuel used by other heating appliances.

The DACHS delivers an overall fuel efficiency of around 79%, which can be increased to as much as 92% in some applications through the use of an exhaust condenser. By reducing primary energy resources by up to 30%, significant savings in carbon dioxide emissions can be achieved compared with the traditional methods of electricity generation, and heat only boiler plant. This is a key benefit for those end users with strong environmental sustainability drivers such as Agenda 21 and commitments in line with the Kyoto Protocol.

Regarded as “Good Quality” CHP as defined by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the natural gas fuel input to the DACHS would be exempted from the Climate Change Levy in the UK. End users would also be eligible to claim Enhanced Capital Allowances, if applicable.

An LPG version of the DACHS is also available, offering similar benefits to end users that are not connected to a mains gas supply.