Micro combined heat and power (micro-CCHP) systems, also known as cogeneration systems, generate heat, electricity and cooling simultaneously. The EU-funded Fit4Micro project plans to develop a hybrid micro-CCHP unit running on sustainable liquid biofuels.

The envisaged technology will be designed for multi-family residences, office and commercial buildings, and SME industrial applications, especially for stand-alone (off-grid) applications. The system is comprising a double shaft micro gas turbine (mGT) and a humidification unit. This unique combination is expected to drive high electrical efficiencies (>35%) and have a very flexible heat-to-power ratio.

Use of a mGT as core-unit in Fit4Micro is ideal for such usage, as the system has very low noise output and is vibration free. Furthermore, rapid response times and fuel-flexible operation make this the ideal base for a highly efficient hybrid CCHP system, resilient to changes in (local) fuel and power markets, empowering the consumers through digital solutions.

Efficient fuel distribution and off-grid operation of Fit4Micro is enabled by using sustainable liquid biofuels. These fuels are produced from biomass residues and organic waste streams, through fast pyrolysis followed by mild hydro-processing yielding a hydrotreated pyrolysis oil (HPO). In Fit4Micro the objective is to widen the feedstock basis and lower the fuel costs by i) using residues as the primary feedstock, and ii) by limiting hydrogen consumption by application of mild processing conditions.

Low emissions are achieved by the application of flameless combustion, and a high GHG emission reduction is obtained by using truly advanced, RED2 compliant biofuel.

Besides technological development work, the Fit4Micro project includes specific activities on socio-economic sustainability, market aspects, the regulatory framework & policies.