Cogeneration system and process for determining whether to use cogeneration

A system configured to determine whether to operate a cogenerator in a cogeneration system comprising;

• a) at least one microprocessor;
• b) at least one memory in communication with said at least one microprocessor;
• c) at least one generator in communication with said at least one microprocessor;
• wherein said at least one memory is configured to store information relating to the current fuel price, and the cost of energy production;
• wherein said at least one microprocessor is configured to determine whether to operate a generator based upon said current fuel price, and said cost of energy production;
• e) at least one heat conduit for conveying heat throughout at least a portion of the building;
• and
• f) at least one temperature sensor configured to determine a need for adding heat to a building.

A generator comprising:

• a) an engine;
• b) at least one heat exchanger in communication with the generator;
• c) at least one electrical motor coupled to said engine, said at least one electrical motor being configured to turn in response to movement of said engine;
• d) at least one electrical output coupled to said at least one electrical motor
• e) at least one heat output in communication with said at least one heat exchanger, said at least one heat output being configured to provide an output of heat from said engine;
• f) at least one microprocessor in communication with said engine and said at least one electrical motor, said microprocessor configured to selectively turn said engine on or off wherein said generator is configured to provide heat to heat at least one building and electrical power as well.

A process for determining whether to run a heat and electrical producing unit comprising:

• providing a heat and electricity producing unit;
• determining a thermal load in a building using at least one temperature sensor configured to determine a temperature of a fluid conduit in a building;
• determining a cost for producing heat by said heat and electricity producing unit to meet said thermal load (GC);
• determining a cost for producing heat by another alternative heat producing unit to meet said thermal load (BC);
• determining a cost for obtaining electrical power from an alternative electricity producing unit, said power being produced by said heat and electrical producing unit when meeting said thermal load (EC);
• determining whether to run said heat and electricity producing unit based upon whether GC<BC+EC.