scholarly journals System optimization of innovative tri-generation system for distributed power application

2019 ◽  
Vol 111 ◽  
pp. 06018
Author(s):  
T.T. Chow ◽  
Guangya Zhu ◽  
C.K. Lee
Keyword(s):  
System Optimization ◽  
Primary Energy ◽  
Pollutant Emission ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Generation System ◽  
Distributed Power ◽  
Mixed Use ◽  
Prime Movers ◽  
Power Application ◽  
Air Conditioning Systems

The building sector is one major primary energy consumer and pollutant emission source. In recent years, the building-related research studies on the potential use of Maisotsenko-cycle in energy systems have been increasing in recent years. The growing interest lies in its expanded applications beyond the air-conditioning systems (the main “energy consumers” in buildings) into the prime movers (the key players in power generation). In order to evaluate its application merits in the practical tri-generation system of the urban districts, an extensive computer simulation platform has been developed. Based on a case study, this paper describes the techniques in the mixed use of numerical tools in performing system optimization studies for distributed power application on a university campus site. The practicality of the methodology is demonstrated through a hypothetical tri-generation system primed with Maisotsenko combustion turbine cycle. The findings are very much interesting.

Wave Energy Converter Array Optimization: A Review of Current Work and Preliminary Results of a Genetic Algorithm Approach Introducing Cost Factors

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Sharp ◽  
Bryony DuPont
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Objective Function ◽  
Wave Energy ◽  
Reference Model ◽  
A Priori ◽  
System Optimization ◽  
Primary Energy ◽  
Close Relative ◽  
Cost Information ◽  
Multiple Test

Currently, ocean wave energy is a novel means of electricity generation that is projected to potentially serve as a primary energy source in coastal areas. However, for wave energy converters (WECs) to be applicable on a scale that allows for grid implementation, these devices will need to be placed in close relative proximity to each other. From what’s been learned in the wind industry of the U.S., the placement of these devices will require optimization considering both cost and power. However, current research regarding optimized WEC layouts only considers the power produced. This work explores the development of a genetic algorithm (GA) that will create optimized WEC layouts where the objective function considers both the economics involved in the array’s development as well as the power generated. The WEC optimization algorithm enables the user to either constrain the number of WECs to be included in the array, or allow the algorithm to define this number. To calculate the objective function, potential arrays are evaluated using cost information from Sandia National Labs Reference Model Project, and power development is calculated such that WEC interaction affects are considered. Results are presented for multiple test scenarios and are compared to previous literature, and the implications of a priori system optimization for offshore renewables are discussed.

Performance analysis of a combined cooling, heating, and power system driven by a waste biomass fired Stirling engine

2010 ◽  
Vol 225 (2) ◽  
pp. 420-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Harrod ◽  
P J Mago
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Natural Gas ◽  
Wood Chip ◽  
Primary Energy ◽  
Stirling Engine ◽  
Primary Energy Consumption ◽  
Operational Cost ◽  
Excess Production ◽  
Prime Movers ◽  
Combined Cooling

Due to the soaring costs and demand of energy in recent years, combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) systems have arisen as an alternative to conventional power generation based on their potential to provide reductions in cost, primary energy consumption, and emissions. However, the application of these systems is commonly limited to internal combustion engine prime movers that use natural gas as the primary fuel source. Investigation of more efficient prime movers and renewable fuel applications is an integral part of improving CCHP technology. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyse the performance of a CCHP system driven by a biomass fired Stirling engine. The study is carried out by considering an hour-by-hour CCHP simulation for a small office building located in Atlanta, Georgia. The hourly thermal and electrical demands for the building were obtained using the EnergyPlus software. Results for burning waste wood chip biomass are compared to results obtained burning natural gas to illustrate the effects of fuel choice and prime mover power output on the overall CCHP system performance. Based on the specified utility rates and including excess production buyback, the results suggest that fuel prices of less than $23/MWh must be maintained for savings in cost compared to the conventional case. In addition, the performance of the CCHP system using the Stirling engine is compared with the conventional system performance. This comparison is based on operational cost and primary energy consumption. When electricity can be sold back to the grid, results indicate that a wood chip fired system yields a potential cost savings of up to 50 per cent and a 20 per cent increase in primary energy consumption as compared with the conventional system. On the other hand, a natural gas fired system is shown to be ineffective for cost and primary energy consumption savings with increases of up to 85 per cent and 24 per cent compared to the conventional case, respectively. The variations in the operational cost and primary energy consumption are also shown to be sensitive to the electricity excess production and buyback rate.

Feasibility Analysis of Distributed Generation System for Large University Campus

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Allen ◽  
Moncef Krarti
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Distributed Generation ◽  
Carbon Emissions ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
College Campuses ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Generation System ◽  
Energy Efficiency Measures ◽  
Efficiency Measures

Distributed electric generation systems are increasingly considered to offset energy costs and carbon emissions of large building complexes. College campuses, with their physical compactness, and diversity in building loads, present a common application for distributed generation systems. This paper presents the analysis approach and the main results of a feasibility study of a distributed generation system to supply electric and thermal energy for a large university campus, incorporating energy efficiency measures, to reduce carbon emissions at minimal life cycle cost. The presented study uses a load profile developed based on calibrated detailed simulation energy models for prototypical campus buildings. The calibration analysis is carried out using measured energy consumption data, at the individual building level, and the whole-campus level. Several combinations of distributed generation options are evaluated, using an hourly optimization analysis tool, to meet the entire campus hourly electrical and thermal loads. Proposed efficiency measures and distributed generation options are evaluated using different indicators, including life cycle cost and carbon emissions. The analysis results indicate that implementing energy efficiency measures to reduce electrical and thermal loads before implementing distributed generation options is the most cost-effective approach to reducing the campus’s energy-related carbon emissions. The results of the study are summarized to guide college campuses and managers of other urban districts as they adapt to a changing energy landscape.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document