Abstract
A residential cogeneration system (CGS) is highlighted because of its efficient energy usage on both the supplier and consumer sides. It generates electricity and heat simultaneously; however, there is insufficient information on the efficiency according to the condition of usage. In this study, we analysed the performance data measured by the home energy management system (HEMS) and the lifestyle data of residents in a condominium of 356 flats where fuel cell CGS was installed in each flat. The electricity generated by CGS contributed to an approximately 12% reduction in primary energy consumption and CO2 emission, and the rate of generation by the CGS in the electric power demand (i.e., contribution rate) was approximately 38%. The electricity generation was mainly affected by the use of electricity up to 4 MWh/household/year. Gas or water use also impacted electric power generation, with water use as the primary factor affecting the contribution rate. Electric power generation changes monthly, mainly based on the water temperature. From these results, we confirmed that a CGS has substantial potential to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emission in condominiums. Thus, it is recommended for installation of fuel cell CGS in existing and new buildings to contribute to the energy-saving target of the Japanese Government in the residential sector.
Highlights
This study focused on the condominium where a polymer electrolyte fuel cell cogeneration system (CGS) was installed in every flat for the first time in the world
1.31 MWh/household was generated by the CGS in a year, which accounted for 38.2% of the total electricity use of 3.35 MWh/household
The generated electricity contributed to a 12.3% reduction in the primary energy consumption and an 11.7% reduction in CO2 emission compared with the residents who use the conventional gas boilers and purchase all of the electricity demand
Summary
Global recognition of the requirement for an effective and progressive response to the urgent threat of climate change led to the enactment of the “Paris Agreement” [1] at the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 21 (COP 21) held in 2015. According to this agreement, the target of the global warming temperature limit was 2 ◦C, and the Japanese Government, along with other countries, declared a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) [2]. There, the approaches in the residential sector were the higher energy-saving performances of residential buildings, the introduction of high energy-saving appliances, including fuel cell CGSs for residence, and the home energy management system (HEMS)
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