Patent ID: 7040544

Claim:
A system for the space-heating of a building to a desired temperature and generation of electrical power comprising: a fuel-burning electric power generator being electrically connected to the building electrical service in conjunction with an electrical connection from an external electrical power source, the electric power generator being constructed and arranged to transfer heat produced by the generator therefrom to a first circulating liquid stream; an air blower through which airflow is driven for heating the building; a primary heat exchanger mounted inline with the air blower so as to transfer heat to the airflow, the primary heat exchanger receiving heat from the first circulating liquid stream; an auxiliary heater, fueled by combustible fuel, located in line with the blower so as to transfer additional heat to the airflow, the auxiliary heater being heated by an auxiliary heat source separate from and not thermally connected to the electric generator; and a control module that operates the primary heat exchanger, the auxiliary heater, is the blower and the electric power generator to maintain the desired temperature while optimizing utilization of electric power generator.