technological systems, digital tools, and smart grids serving urban communities
197
well-being, it is necessary to refer to technological tools that can provide solutions both for the mitigation of the individual impacts described in the previous chapters and for the realization of an integrated management system. A critical analysis aimed at defining an integrated approach in the urban environment, for the use of new technologies, has led to the identification of innovative techniques and systems considered indispensable for the virtuous development of innovative cities. Smart grids and microgeneration Microgeneration, or better Micro Combined Heating and Power (micro-CHP), usually refers to joint production of electricity and heat by a cogeneration plant with an output of less than 50 kW of electricity. In the most common configuration, a micro-CHP consists of a gasfired engine with internal combustion where mechanical energy is converted into electricity, and the waste heat is conveyed into a recovery system producing thermic energy. Microgenerators are technologically advanced devices, able to integrate or fully replace heating boilers, and provide, at least in part, the electricity needed for selfconsumption3. The European Directive 2004/8/EC4 dedicated to the promotion of cogeneration in Italy was made operational by Legislative Decree 20/2007, which also regulates 3 Nextville, Micro-cogeneration: definition, market, potential, obstacles, http://www.nextville.it. 4 Directive 2004/8/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 February 2004 on the promotion of cogeneration based on a useful heat demand in the internal energy market and amending Directive 92/42/EEC.
