Tecogen Inc's Business Segments

Tecogen® Inc. designs, manufactures, markets, and maintains high efficiency, ultra-clean cogeneration products including natural gas engine-driven combined heat and power, air conditioning systems, and water heaters for residential, commercial, recreational and industrial use. The company is known for cost efficient, environmentally friendly and reliable products for distributed power generation that, through patented technology, nearly eliminate criteria pollutants and significantly reduce a customer’s carbon footprint.

Tecogen Inc. specializes in advanced distributed energy solutions, designing and manufacturing high-efficiency cogeneration systems and other energy technologies that cater to commercial, institutional, and industrial markets. Their core offerings are segmented into several primary product categories, including cogeneration, chillers, and heat pump water heaters, each addressing specific customer needs and operational scenarios.

1. Cogeneration Units

InVerde Cogeneration Units
Tecogens flagship product, the InVerde, is a 100-kW Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system that generates electricity and hot water while providing the essential capability to resume operations during utility outages, known as “black-start” capability. This feature is increasingly vital for customers concerned about the reliability of the utility grid, especially during natural disasters or blackouts.

The InVerdes innovative design incorporates inverter technology to convert DC electricity to AC, enabling variable-speed operation for enhanced efficiency under varying loads. The integration of this inverter system, originally developed for solar and wind technologies, allows for easier interconnection and simplifies regulatory permitting processes across various jurisdictions. In addition, it increases operational efficiency at partial loads, which are common in real-world applications.

The InVerde CHP system can also operate as part of a microgrid, allowing several units to interconnect and manage load collectively, providing further reliability and resilience. The InVerde e+ version, launched in 2016, builds on this technology, featuring advanced attributes such as class-leading electrical efficiency, rapid black-start capability, and reduced gas pressure requirements, making it an attractive option for diverse applications.

TECOGEN Cogeneration Units
The original TECOGEN systems, available in two sizes (60 kW and 75 kW), focus on delivering up to 500,000 Btu/hr of hot water. These units are primarily designed for grid-connected applications and have a long-standing reputation in the market. While still active, the production of these systems has largely been replaced by the more versatile InVerde line, which offers more innovative features and benefits.

Chillers

TECOCHILL Chillers
Tecogen also manufactures natural gas engine-driven chillers under the TECOCHILL brand. Available in various capacities ranging from 25 to 400 tons, these chillers can significantly reduce operational costs linked to summer peak electric rates. The chillers operate through a mechanical cogeneration process that does not generate electrical output but effectively utilizes natural gas to provide cooling.

The TECOCHILL systems can recover waste heat to supply building heating and hot water needs, appealing to facilities aiming to optimize energy use while minimizing operating costs.

High-Efficiency Water Heaters (Ilios)

The Ilios line encompasses high-efficiency water heaters that employ heat pump technology. These systems include various models such as the Air-Source, Water-Sourced, and Split System Water Heaters, which leverage natural gas engines instead of electric motors.

The unique design of the Ilios system allows it to capture heat from the ambient environment while utilizing waste heat from the engine, achieving efficiencies surpassing 200%. The water-sourced model, introduced in 2013, and the Split System, introduced in 2015, provide versatile options suitable for diverse applications, including simultaneous heating and cooling capabilities, enhancing overall energy utilization.

International Operations

While Tecogen focuses primarily on the U.S. market, it has also expanded its operations internationally, recognizing the growing global demand for clean and efficient energy solutions. Its products are designed to comply with stringent emissions and efficiency standards prevalent in many countries, including Europe and parts of Asia.

The companys innovative technology, particularly the InVerde systems, has gained traction due to the increasing worldwide emphasis on energy efficiency, grid resilience, and sustainability. Tecogen products are particularly appealing in markets seeking to mitigate reliance on traditional fossil fuels and address regulatory pressures regarding emissions and efficiency.

The versatile cogeneration, cooling, and heating technologies of Tecogen are well-positioned to meet the rising demand for energy independence and reduced operational costs globally. The company continues to explore opportunities for growth in international markets through partnerships, strategic alliances, and distribution agreements. By leveraging its advanced energy solutions, Tecogen aims to contribute to global efforts to create a sustainable energy future while also tapping into new revenue streams.

Overall, Tecogen Inc. stands at the forefront of clean energy technology, providing versatile, efficient solutions that cater to the evolving needs of energy consumers around the world.