Realistic operation and strategic energy, economic and environmental analyses of a hybrid renewable energy based - micro combined heat and power

Abstract

The expansion of emerging energy sources that are sustainable and cleaner has opened the chance for CHP systems to be integrated for higher efficiency and performance. Prior to the operation in a real system, the integrated micro-CHP system needs a comprehensive performance analysis. Combining with a realistic energy management, the strategic operation must be dealing with the complexity of the system components at the optimal energy serving cost and keep it environmentally friendly. This study develops and analyses the m-CHP system that integrates renewable energy sources coupled with a realistic load-based management. The components control and system management are developed through a validation of the actual data for each component and integrating them in a simulation environment using LABVIEW to ensure the system works as intended. The comprehensive assessments are conducted in terms of energy, economic and environmental aspects to evaluate the feasibility of implementing the system in the long-term practices. In addition, a critical comparison of the proposed method with the existing projects locally in Malaysia and globally is presented to illustrate the potential of the m-CHP for public and private buildings.During 25 years of the operation, the proposed m-CHP system achieved a primary energy savings ratio of 44.7 %, with a net present value of USD 17,790.42. For electrical and thermal loads, the proposed m-CHP could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 53.1 % and 73.5 %, respectively.