Abstract
The Cogeneration laboratory is a research facility in the University of Málaga (UMA) that allows for the behavioural study of a renewable energy installation combining solar resources and micro-CHP. Energy generation in the system is provided by a 3 kWp photovoltaic array, two solar thermal connectors and a Whispergen EU1 Stirling micro-CHP unit. Energy storage in the facility is provided by water tank and lithium-ion battery. This laboratory is managed through a programmable Mitsubishi PLC that permits the simulation of different thermal and electrical load profiles, as well as the mode of operation. The electrical energy management is controlled by the solar inverter. Environmental data, are measured using a top of the line weather station.The system’s real time status is logged through the programmable PLC. All this data is transferred and analysed in a purpose-built MATLAB-based software, where power and energy balances are conducted, efficiencies are calculated, and a CO2 emissions evaluation is studied.The CO2 emissions analysis is carried to evaluate the carbon dioxide emissions generated by the facility when the electrical and thermal demand are provided by the joint solar and micro-CHP system. These emissions come from the burning of natural gas in the micro-CHP Stirling engine, and the usage of electricity from the grid. With the current mode of operation, a reduction of up to 70% in CO2 emissions has been achieved, with an energy generation that exceeds the demand.
Highlights
The necessary transition to more sustainable energy systems, in order to combat climate change and its impact on the environment, starts with the reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
The burning of fossil fuels for energy to be supplied for electricity, heating, industry and transport accounts for approximately two thirds of the global greenhouse gas emissions
There is a need for energy storage to supply for the energy demand during night-time, were solar systems predominant in the energy generation
Summary
The necessary transition to more sustainable energy systems, in order to combat climate change and its impact on the environment, starts with the reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The burning of fossil fuels for energy to be supplied for electricity, heating, industry and transport accounts for approximately two thirds of the global greenhouse gas emissions In this context, one of the six priorities for the European Commission for 2019-2024 is for Europe to be the first climate-neutral continent, through “The European Green Deal” [1]. There is a need for energy storage to supply for the energy demand during night-time, were solar systems predominant in the energy generation This kind of systems rely on favourable weather conditions to have a sufficient energy yield. To apply these technologies in a domestic environment, additional power supplies would be needed to cover for the night demand and adverse weather conditions. Other domestic technologies can be applied for space heating, such as ground source heat pumps [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
