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Evolution of the world’s first household cogeneration unit |
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Cogeneration systems use natural gas as fuel to produce both the electricity and hot water households require. This makes them an efficient, environmentally responsible energy system. Early to recognize the potential social value of cogeneration, Honda applied its long years of experience in designing compact engines and generators to create the world’s first cogeneration unit small enough to be used at home. Introduced to the Japanese market in 2003 via major utility companies, the Ecowill household cogeneration system has become a favorite with customers who appreciate how efficiently it provides power for floor heating systems and reduces lighting costs.
Right from the development stage, Honda emphasized durability, compactness and efficiency. Over its lifetime, a cogeneration system must operate 10 times as long as an automobile does. Its operation must also be quiet and clean. Honda managed to reduce the unit’s noise level to that of an air-conditioner exhaust unit. By applying 3-way catalysts* and other advanced technologies, it endowed the product with truly superior environmental performance.
A new-generation model featuring an improvement of approximately 10% in electrical efficiency was released in Japan in October 2006 and introduced in the US in March 2007. Pursuing even greater efficiency, longer operating life and lower cost, Honda will continue working to popularize household cogeneration systems, promoting energy conservation in homes around the world. |
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Made with platinum and other precious metals, 3-way catalysts function to clean emissions by eliminating carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). |
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| Kazuhiro Togawa |
| Power Products R&D Center |
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| Honda’s MCHP 1.0 household cogeneration unit |
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| Household cogeneration system |
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| A powerful partnership for environmentally responsible products |
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| While working with Honda on the development of the Ecowill cogeneration system, I was struck by their determination and dedication to the technology. During the testing phase, we encountered issues with durability and noise, but each time a problem arose, Honda engineers were there, making the necessary improvements, checking and rechecking until everything was resolved. It was a satisfying experience, and one of the reasons we succeeded in bringing this environmentally responsible product to market. Since we came from different industries, at first we experienced challenges in aligning our approaches. But by the time we brought out the first product, we had created a powerful partnership, achieving a synergy between Honda’s superior technology and the understanding of the market and customer needs possessed by Osaka Gas. Thanks to the strength of our partnership, in October 2006 we succeeded in introducing a new model with even better electrical efficiency that also responds to market needs with an enhanced structure and design. It’s even easier to maintain. |
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| Yoshitaka Shibata |
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Residential Energy
Business Unit
Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. |
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