The acronym is CHP (combined heat & power). You could add a C to that and make it CHPC if you added cooling to the package.
We've been working on this project (like so many others are) off and on for about 8 years. From all the feedback we've gotten over that period of time we feel a system that would generate a minimum of 2KW is a size that would be marketable and fit the BTU ratings of most domestic OWB's. Of course something closer to 5KW would be nice, but with batteries and inverters, 2KW would meet the needs of most of us if we were conservative.
We spend a lot of time and money on Stirling technology - couldn't make it viable. There are too many limitions on material properties to make this possible today. There are still a lot people dumping money into this technology though, so maybe someone will make a breakthrough.
As posted previously the ORC appears to be the technology most are pursuing today (ex.
http://www.powerverdesolar.com/technology.php) . Again the problem is cost. Some of our testing was done using a scroll compressor from an airconditioner (made by the millions so cost really isn't that high). The problem is the pumps, condensors, controls etc, and a reliable heat source that produces BTU's at a cost that will overcome the inefficiency inherent to the design.
To those who are curious, there was a previous reference to an expensive water fired single effect absorption chiller that cost 20-30K. Here's a link to one such unit and a diagram to go with it.
http://www.yazakienergy.com/waterfired.htmSo, what we are all waiting for is someone to package a versatile biomass boiler, some kind of ORC generator for power (or some other technology), and a water chiller for air conditioning at a reasonable price. Kinda the holy grail of energy in my book.......but I think it is coming sooner than later.
