Development: Cogen: Power to the people
The Mad Houser cogen plant stores waste heat from the generator in the form of hot water, which is available on demand and can be expected to be at least warm for two days after a one hour generator run. The tank containing the water is insulated and features a heat exchange coil to heat the water. When the generator runs, hot motor coolant is circulated through the heat exchange coil by the engine water pump. The heat exchange coil consists of 5/8 inch soft copper tubing, which can be bought in hardware stores, and which keeps the motor coolant (containing antifreeze) completely seperate from the hot water people use for bathing and washing clothes and dishes.
