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System modelling and optimisation studies of fuel cell based micro-CHP for residential energy demand reduction

Adam, A; (2017) System modelling and optimisation studies of fuel cell based micro-CHP for residential energy demand reduction. Doctoral thesis , UCL (University College London). Green open access

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Abstract

Fuel cell combined heat and power (CHP) units used for domestic applications can provide significant cost and environmental benefits for end users and contribute to the UK's 2050 emissions target by reducing primary energy consumption in dwellings. Recently there has been increased research interest in the use of modelling methods for the design of such systems and their smoother integration with domestic building services. Several models in the literature, whether they use a simulation or an optimisation approach, ignore the dwelling side of the system and optimise the efficiency or delivered power of the unit. However the design of the building services is linked to the choice of heating plant and its characteristics. Adding the dwelling's energy demand and temperature constraints in a model can produce more general results that can optimise the whole system, not only the micro- CHP unit. The fuel cell has a number of heat streams that can be utilised to satisfy heat demand in a dwelling and the design can be different according to the heat used from each heat stream. Firstly a mixed integer non-linear (MINLP) programming mathematical model was developed to provide all high level information for the design and sizing the plant of each configuration examined. Next, a MINLP model that can handle multiple heat sources and demands is presented. The model can provide a design that integrates the temperature and water ow constraints of a dwelling's heating system with the heat streams within the fuel cell pro cesses while optimising total CO2 emissions. The model is demonstrated through different case studies that attempt to capture the variability of the housing stock. This research represents a significant step towards an integrated fuel cell micro-CHP and dwelling design.

Type: Thesis (Doctoral)
Title: System modelling and optimisation studies of fuel cell based micro-CHP for residential energy demand reduction
Event: University College London
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
Language: English
UCL classification: UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Engineering Science
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Engineering Science > Dept of Chemical Engineering
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1542774
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