The performance of small scale multi-generation technologies in achieving cost-optimal and zero-energy office building solutions

Abstract

K. (2015). The performance of small scale multi-generation technologies in achieving cost-optimal and zero-energy office building solutions. Applied Energy, 152,[94][95][96][97][98][99][100][101][102][103][104][105][106][107][108] Abstract: This study investigates the economic viability of small-scale, multi-generation systems (combined heat and power (CHP), combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP)), along with conventional heating and cooling systems combining sixteen heating/cooling energy generation systems (H/C-EGSs). The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EBPD) comparative framework methodology is followed. The local cost-optimal solution for an office building, in Helsinki, Finland is determined for each H/C-EGS as well as the global cost-optimum. The suggested energy efficiency measures get 144 building combinations, and alongside the H/C-EGSs, altogether 2304 cases. The results show that the global cost-optimum belongs to the ground source heat pump with free ground cooling. The investigated biomass-based CHPs are economically viable only with high overall efficiency and low power-to-heat ratio due to both low investment and operational costs. The biomass-based CCHPs do not have economic or environmental benefits over the biomass-based CHPs due to the significant increase entailed of both investment and operational costs. The fossil fuel-based CHPs with high operational costs are the worst solutions economically and environmentally. Extending the cost optimal solutions by a photovoltaic panels system yields the net zero-energy office building with minimum life-cycle costs as well.Highlights  The cost-optimal solutions for a new office building in Finland are obtained. The EBPD comparative framework methodology is followed. Biomass CHPs with high overall efficiency and low P/H ratio are economically viable. Biomass CCHPs do not have economic or environmental benefits over biomass CHPs. Extending the cost-optimal solutions by PV system yields NZEB with minimum LCC. Abstract 10This study investigates the economic viability of small-scale, multi-generation systems (combined heat and power (CHP), 11 combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP)), along with conventional heating and cooling systems combining sixteen 12 heating/cooling energy generation systems (H/C-EGSs). The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EBPD) 13 comparative framework methodology is followed. The local cost-optimal solution for an office building, in Helsinki, 14Finland is determined for each H/C-EGS as well as the global cost-optimum. The suggested energy efficiency measures get 15 144 building combinations, and alongside the H/C-EGSs, altogether 2304 cases. The results show that the global cost-16 optimum belongs to the ground source heat pump with free ground cooling. The investigated biomass-based CHPs are 17 economically viable only with high overall efficiency and low power-to-heat ratio due to both low investment and 18 operational costs. The biomass-based CCHPs do not have economic or environmental benefits ...

An Analysis of Different Solar-Assisted Heating Systems and Their Effect on the Energy Performance of Multifamily Buildings—A Swedish Case

“…Research with a focus on cost-effective solutions in NZE buildings has been found in [12]. The conclusion of the work conducted in [12] is that ground source heat pumps with free cooling (i.e., ground source heating and cooling, GSHP) is the most optimal solution in regards to economics.…”

“…The conclusion of the work conducted in [12] is that ground source heat pumps with free cooling (i.e., ground source heating and cooling, GSHP) is the most optimal solution in regards to economics. This is, however, contradicted by another study where a bio-boiler solution is most cost optimal [13].…”

The Impact of Insulation and HVAC Degradation on Overall Building Energy Performance: A Case Study

“…This decline can best be defined as "performance degradation". It leads to lower energy efficiency and higher life cycle costs than projected, since its effects are generally not being taken into consideration, neither by energy calculation norms nor by conventional simulation models or existing optimization concepts [2,10,11].…”

“…Due to this fact, improving the energy performance of buildings is key in reaching the EU target of 20-20-20 (20% CO 2 emissions reduction, 20% increase in energy efficiency and 20% more energy from renewable sources until the year 2020 compared to the levels of 1990) [2]. As a means of achieving this goal, the Energy Performance of Building Directive 2010/31/EU, (EPBD) recast [3] obliges EU member states to evaluate their national requirements on the energy performance of buildings following the so-called "cost optimal methodology".…”

Lifecycle cost and CO2 emissions of residential heat and electricity prosumers in Finland and the Netherlands

“…Single or multiobjective optimization can assist in this endeavor since it allows identifying optimal solutions when several variables are present. Multiobjective optimization enabled Mohamed et al [13] to evaluate system configurations for small-scale multigeneration technologies in zero-energy buildings. The authors identified the optimal solutions in terms of cost and environmental benefits, as well as the effect of including PV panels in the system.…”