Overview

The discussion will cover how internal combustion engines will become integral to the future of renewable energy and distributed generation.  They are well suited to small-scale generation, which can help develop distributed generation networks and improve efficiency through combined heat and power.  Finally, we will discuss evidence that there is a very long way to go in efficiency improvements.  Although the engine has been developed for over a hundred years, most of those years were focused on making it cheap, not efficient.

Handouts

• Interesting charts

Preparatory Readings

• Wikipedia Entry to Familiarize with the topic
• CHP Overview
  
• CHP Applications
• EPA Link to CHP Information
• CHP Technologies

CHP & the Environment

• Presentation
  
• Report

The Internal Combustion Engine's Role in the Future of Distributed Generation

06:00-07:00PM Thursday, December 11, 2008
Leader: John Pendray
Location: Thirsty Ear Pub