The grant will allow ECR International to develop and commercialize a device that will enable gas-fired home heating appliances to simultaneously generate electricity and heat. Successful development of this new technology, micro-cogeneration, will ultimately cut consumer utility bills and provide backup power in the event of an electricity outage, such as last year's massive Northeast blackout.
Last year, DOE officials established a competitive research program in micro-cogeneration technology development. In the inaugural national competition, ECR International won a $500,000 grant over two years.