Economical Optimisation of PEFC/CHP Systems for Italian Single-Family Dwelling

摘要

Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems are spreading across the entire European Union andprivate and public companies recognise their flexibility and their high energy conversionefficiencies. However, the actual saving capacity permitted by these systems when used by realcustomers is strongly dependent on the system size, on the customer's electric and thermaldemands, on system operation management, and on any integration of storage devices.The present work aims at assessing technical and economic performances achievable using aPolymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (PEFC)-based CHP system to cover the energy demands of aItalian single family dwelling.Electric and thermal energy requirements are evaluated by taking into account a statisticalmodel describing the use of the different domestic appliances and by calculating heating andsanitary customer's needs.System economic optimisation is performed so that PEFC/CHP system configuration andcontrol strategies enabling the minimisation of system variable costs are identified.This variable costs are compared to those related to purchasing electricity from the grid andgenerating the heat from a natural gas-fired boiler: the CHP plant is attractive for customersonly 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 haveto compete on the market is determined.