Evaluation of Energy, Environmental, and Economic Characteristics of Fuel Cell Combined Heat and Power Systems for Residential Applications

Abstract

Residential combined heat and power (CHP) systems using fuel cell technology can provide both electricity and heat and can substantially reduce the energy and environmental impact associated with residential applications. The energy, environmental, and economic characteristics of fuel cell CHP systems are investigated for single-family residential applications. Hourly energy use profiles for electricity and thermal energy are determined for typical residential applications. A mathematical model of a residential fuel cell based CHP system is developed. The CHP system incorporates a fuel cell system to supply electricity and thermal energy, a vapor compression heat pump to provide cooling in the summer and heating in the winter, and a thermal storage tank to help match the available thermal energy to the thermal energy needs. The performance of the system is evaluated for different climates. Results from the study include an evaluation of the major design parameters of the system, load duration curves, an evaluation of the effect of climate on energy use characteristics, an assessment of the reduction in emissions, and a comparison of the life cycle cost of the fuel cell based CHP system to the life cycle costs of conventional residential energy systems. The results suggest that the fuel cell CHP system provides substantial energy and environmental benefits but that the cost of the fuel cell sub-system must be reduced to roughly $500/kWe before the system can be economically justified.

Achieving total domestic hot water production with renewable energy

“…It is assumed that the house is occupied by a family of four persons who perform light work. The hourly electrical power demand profile from the electrical appliances (including lights) is based on the work of Gunes and Ellis [13]. When cumulated over a year, the annual electricity consumption for appliances is 4659 kWh [2].…”

Community Design Parameters and the Performance of Residential Cogeneration Systems

“…However, the majority of recent studies (e.g. Gunes & Ellis 2003;Braun et al 2004), which recognize the sustainability implications of these systems, have considered both economic and environmental impacts of the technology. In general, most studies addressing both environmental and economic performances of residential cogeneration show the potential for significant energy and environmental benefits from using the technology.…”

“…In the U.S., however, while cogeneration is well established in many sectors, e.g. the industrial and educational ones, its use in the residential sector is still very limited in spite of the significant energy and emissions reductions potential that this technology presents (see Gunes & Ellis 2003;Braun et al 2004). One of the main reasons cited for this limited use is the high initial system cost, especially for district heating networks (Phetteplace 1995), as well as the unsuitability of the energy use characteristics of conventional U.S. residential communities (with their high daily and seasonal variations) to the needs of cogeneration systems.…”

“…The selection of the cold climate was based on previous studies (e.g. Gunes & Ellis, 2003), which identified it as more favorable for cogeneration systems. …”

A Feasibility Study of an Auxiliary Power Unit Based on a PEM Fuel Cell for On-Board Applications

“…Low temperature fuel cells are well suited for both on-site stationary or on-board power units [2][3][4][5][6], due to their rather simple and safe operation. Low temperature levels allow fast start-ups and fast responses, suitable for load-following applications.…”