Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems are spreading across the entire European Union and private and public companies recognise their flexibility and their high energy conversion efficiencies. However, the actual saving capacity permitted by these systems when used by real customers is strongly dependent on the system size, on the customer’s electric and thermal demands, on system operation management, and on any integration of storage devices. The present work aims at assessing technical and economic performances achievable using a Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (PEFC)-based CHP system to cover the energy demands of a Italian single family dwelling. Electric and thermal energy requirements are evaluated by taking into account a statistical model describing the use of the different domestic appliances and by calculating heating and sanitary customer’s needs. System economic optimisation is performed so that PEFC/CHP system configuration and control strategies enabling the minimisation of system variable costs are identified. This variable costs are compared to those related to purchasing electricity from the grid and generating the heat from a natural gas-fired boiler: the CHP plant is attractive for customers only if the savings achieved can pay the purchase investment back in a reasonable period. Therefore, by fixing the pay-back period to 10 years, the maximum cost the plant should have to compete on the market is determined.
ECONOMICAL OPTIMISATION OF PEFC/CHP SYSTEMS FOR ITALIAN SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING
PELACCHI, PAOLO;
2004-01-01
Abstract
Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems are spreading across the entire European Union and private and public companies recognise their flexibility and their high energy conversion efficiencies. However, the actual saving capacity permitted by these systems when used by real customers is strongly dependent on the system size, on the customer’s electric and thermal demands, on system operation management, and on any integration of storage devices. The present work aims at assessing technical and economic performances achievable using a Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (PEFC)-based CHP system to cover the energy demands of a Italian single family dwelling. Electric and thermal energy requirements are evaluated by taking into account a statistical model describing the use of the different domestic appliances and by calculating heating and sanitary customer’s needs. System economic optimisation is performed so that PEFC/CHP system configuration and control strategies enabling the minimisation of system variable costs are identified. This variable costs are compared to those related to purchasing electricity from the grid and generating the heat from a natural gas-fired boiler: the CHP plant is attractive for customers only if the savings achieved can pay the purchase investment back in a reasonable period. Therefore, by fixing the pay-back period to 10 years, the maximum cost the plant should have to compete on the market is determined.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
