Performance of U.S. hybrid distributed energy systems: Solar photovoltaic, battery and combined heat and power

Abstract

a b s t r a c tUntil recently, the relatively high levelized cost of electricity from solar photovoltaic (PV) technology limited deployment; however, recent cost reductions, combined with various financial incentives and innovative financing techniques, have made PV fully competitive with conventional sources in many American regions. In addition, the costs of electrical storage have also declined enough to make PV + battery systems potentially economically viable for a mass-scale off-grid low-emission transition. However, many regions in the U.S. (e.g. Northern areas) cannot have off-grid PV systems without prohibitively large battery systems. Small-scale combined heat and power (CHP) systems provide a potential solution for off-grid power backup of residential-scale PV + battery arrays, while also minimizing emissions from conventional sources. Thus, an opportunity is now available to maximize the use of solar energy and gain the improved efficiencies possible with CHPs to deploy PV + battery + CHP systems throughout the U.S. The aim of this study is to determine the technical viability of such systems by simulating PV + battery + CHP hybrid systems deployed in three representative regions in the U.S., using the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable (HOMER) Pro Microgrid Analysis tool. The results show that the electricity generated by each component of the hybrid system can be coupled to fulfill the residential load demand. A sensitivity analysis of these hybrid off grid systems is carried out as a function capacity factor of both the PV and CHP units. The results show that conservatively sized systems are technically viable in any continental American climate and the details are discussed to provide guidance for both design and deployment of PV + battery + CHP hybrid systems to reduce consumer costs, while reducing energy-and electricity-related emissions.

Energy-Independent Architectural Models for Residential Complex Plans through Solar Energy in Daegu Metropolitan City, South Korea

“…With the importance of renewable energy becoming widely recognized, the energy paradigm is rapidly shifting from fossil energy to renewable energy, especially in developed countries [1,2]. In terms of energy consumption, saving energy in the construction sector is very important.…”

Optimal Operation of a Grid-Connected Hybrid Renewable Energy System for Residential Applications

“…For example, studies have been published on hybrid renewable energy systems [6] involving two main energy technologies, such as solar-fuel cell systems [7], solar-biofuel systems [8], solar-battery systems [9], solar-thermal-PV systems [10], solar micro-generation systems [11], PV-wind systems connected to the electrical grid [12], solar-wind systems for remote regions [13], and wind-fuel cell systems [14]. Results have also been reported for hybrid renewable energy systems involving three primary energy technologies.…”

“…For instance, hybrid energy systems incorporating CHP, solar and battery components have been simulated and technically assessed for three areas in the U.S. [9]. For Malaysia, a hybrid solar-diesel system for buildings designed for zero load rejection was optimized [28], and the viability was assessed of meeting a hospital's energy loads with a cogeneration system incorporating a fuel cell and battery as well as grid-connected PV [21].…”

Simulation and Analysis of Dynamic Characteristics for Power System with Large-scale Wind Power

“…The simulation results show that the CCHP system can reduce annual consumption of natural gas by 20%~30%. In order to improve the efficiency of photovoltaic power, reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emissions and overcome the intermittent of photovoltaic power, Shah et al [7] established a combined heat and power (CHP) hybrid system with photovoltaic power and energy storage. The CHP hybrid system is used to provide electricity and heat for households.…”