Optimal sizing of residential SOFC cogeneration system for power interchange operation in housing complex from energy-saving viewpoint

Energy ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tetsuya Wakui ◽  
Ryohei Yokoyama
Author(s):  
Tetsuya Wakui ◽  
Ryohei Yokoyama

Residential solid oxide fuel cell cogeneration systems (R-FCGSs) have high generating efficiencies; however, they must be operated continuously because of their long warm-up times. Moreover, a reverse power flow from a residential cogeneration system to a commercial electric power system is not permitted in Japan. Because of these restrictions, it is considered that the R-FCGSs may not fully achieve their potential energy-saving effects in Japan. In order to improve the energy-saving effect of the R-FCGSs, the authors have been focusing on a power interchange operation using multiple R-FCGSs (IC) installed at residences in a housing complex as an application of a microgrid. In this operation, the electric power generated by the R-FCGSs is shared among the residences in the housing complex with no reverse power flow so that the electric load factor of the R-FCGSs may increase. This paper discusses the effect of increasing the number of the R-FCGSs involved in the IC on energy saving by conducting optimal operational planning based on mixed-integer linear programming. The numerical analyses for various numbers of target R-FCGSs, with a maximum of 20, clarify that the energy-saving effect of introducing the IC is not correlated with increasing the number of target R-FCGSs, but generally dominated by the total heat to power demand ratio and hourly variations in the electric power demand of the residences. Furthermore, it is revealed that for any number of target R-FCGSs, the IC has an advantage in the energy saving over a stand-alone operation of individual R-FCGSs without the power interchange.


Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (20) ◽  
pp. 6611
Author(s):  
Kazui Yoshida ◽  
Hom B. Rijal ◽  
Kazuaki Bohgaki ◽  
Ayako Mikami ◽  
Hiroto Abe

A residential cogeneration system (CGS) is highlighted because of its efficient energy usage on both the supplier and consumer sides. It generates electricity and heat simultaneously; however, there is insufficient information on the efficiency according to the condition of usage. In this study, we analysed the performance data measured by the home energy management system (HEMS) and the lifestyle data of residents in a condominium of 356 flats where fuel cell CGS was installed in each flat. The electricity generated by CGS contributed to an approximately 12% reduction in primary energy consumption and CO2 emission, and the rate of generation by the CGS in the electric power demand (i.e., contribution rate) was approximately 38%. The electricity generation was mainly affected by the use of electricity up to 4 MWh/household/year. Gas or water use also impacted electric power generation, with water use as the primary factor affecting the contribution rate. Electric power generation changes monthly, mainly based on the water temperature. From these results, we confirmed that a CGS has substantial potential to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emission in condominiums. Thus, it is recommended for installation of fuel cell CGS in existing and new buildings to contribute to the energy-saving target of the Japanese Government in the residential sector.


Author(s):  
R. Bhargava ◽  
M. Bianchi ◽  
G. Negri di Montenegro ◽  
A. Peretto

This paper presents a thermo-economic analysis of an intercooled, reheat (ICRH) gas turbine, with and without recuperation, for cogeneration applications. The optimization analyses of thermodynamic parameters have permitted to calculate variables, such as low-pressure compressor pressure ratio, high-pressure turbine pressure ratio and gas temperature at the waste heat recovery unit inlet while maximizing electric efficiency and “Energy Saving Index”. Subsequently, the economic analyses have allowed to evaluate return on the investment, and the minimum value of gross payout period, for the cycle configurations of highest thermodynamic performance. In the present study three sizes (100 MW, 20 MW and 5 MW) of gas turbines have been examined. The performed investigation reveals that the maximum value of electric efficiency and “Energy Saving Index” is achieved for a large size (100 MW) recuperated ICRH gas turbine based cogeneration system. However, a non-recuperated ICRH gas turbine (of 100 MW) based cogeneration system provides maximum value of return on the investment and the minimum value of gross payout period compared to the other gas turbine cycles, of the same size and with same power to heat ratio, investigated in the present study. A comprehensive thermo-economic analysis methodology, presented in this paper, should provide useful guidelines for preliminary sizing and selection of gas turbine cycle for cogeneration applications.


2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Akira Yoshida ◽  
Koichi Ito ◽  
Yoshiharu Amano

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the maximum energy-saving potential of residential energy supply systems consisting of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) cogeneration system (CGS) combined with a solar cell (SC) and a battery (BT), compared with a reference system (RS). This study applies an optimization theory into an operational planning problem to measure actual energy demands over the course of 1 year. Eight different types of energy supply system were compared with each other by changing the components of the SOFC-CGS, SC, BT, and RS. Meaningful numerical results are obtained, indicating the maximum potential energy savings.


2014 ◽  
Vol 06 (05) ◽  
pp. 69-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suapphong Kritsanawonghong ◽  
Weijun Gao ◽  
Pawinee Iamtrakul

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