Economic analysis of fuel cell installations at commercial buildings including regional pricing and complementary technologies

Abstract

a b s t r a c tThis paper presents results from sensitivity studies conducted using the Distributed Generation Buildout Economic Assessment Tool (DG-BEAT). The viability of meeting commercial building loads with a stationary fuel cells is studied under different conditions of electricity pricing, dispatch strategies, and complementary technologies. Key findings support the notion that fuel cells are becoming economically viable alternatives in California, New York and Connecticut at installed costs of $7000-10,000/kW. Michigan is identified as another state well suited to fuel cell development with heat recovery. Fuel cell installations reduce net carbon emissions for commercial buildings by 20-30% when compared to local, time-resolved, grid emissions. Grid sell-back, at 50% retail price, significantly improves the economics of a base load fuel cell, but has little impact for a dispatchable system. At installed costs below $5000/kW, load following capability results in significant additional cost reductions as the generating capacity is increased beyond the building's base load requirements. Complementary technologies such as chillers and thermal storage have a pronounced impact, particularly in warmer climates. Installing fuel cells paired with electric chillers and thermal storage in Florida at buildings with exceptionally high air conditioning demands can achieve the same economic benefit as a typical New York building.

A Review of Recent Developments and Advanced Applications of High-Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membranes for PEM Fuel Cells

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Fuel cells as combined heat and power systems in commercial buildings: A case study in the food-retail sector

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Optimal Energy Dispatch Controller for Fuel Cell-Integrated Multi-Zone Building

“…An economic assessment of using stationary fuel cells to meet commercial building loads under various pricing conditions, dispatch strategies, and pairing with complementary technologies is reported in Ref. [14]. In Ref.…”