Engineering Partners

Prodrive

Disenco’s prototype combined heat and power unit is being developed by British motorsport and engineering specialist, Prodrive, which runs the Aston Martin Racing and Subaru World Rally Teams.

Prodrive’s head of engineering, David Hemming, said:  “Prodrive has applied innovation and pragmatic use of the latest engine technology to deliver an efficient, reliable and commercially viable stirling engine for the Disenco m-CHP unit.  While the stirling engine concept is almost 200 years old, originally invented as an alternative to the steam engine, it has taken until now for technology and environmental demands to catch up. The Disenco Stirling engine is unique in its compactness, power output and practicality. We are very pleased to have been so involved in the development of what has the potential to be a market leading device.”

www.prodrive.com

Sentec

Sentec is developing the control electronics and grid interface for Disenco's HomePowerPlant.

These vital systems will control the water temperature, the engine, the burner and the electrical power output, as well as providing a simple user interface where customers can set start and stop times, space and water heating requirements.

Established in 1997, the Cambridge based company is a developer of a wide range of smart metering and grid control technologies and a recognised authority on design for energy management and smart grids.

Mark England, Sentec's Managing Director, said "Allowing households to generate their own power is an exciting solution to many current concerns about energy and energy efficiency which requires sophisticated controls and a rethink of existing grid infrastructure."

With Sentec's new design for combined heat and power (CHP) control and grid interface, Disenco will maximise the efficiency of the Stirling engine and pave the way for domestic generation to play a much more significant role in meeting the UK's power requirements. The saving of energy cost, particularly electricity, is a key concern for govenments, utilities and homeowners and these new control electronics will mean Disenco's HomePowerPlant will lead the market in providing on site energy efficiency. Sentec is delighted to be involved in such an exciting project.