Analysis of the performances of a fuel cell CHP system under different energy demand and climate scenarios

Abstract

In this paper we assess the effective performance of a cogeneration plant based on low temperature PEM fuel cells in different energy scenarios. We vary the energy demand (office apartment district, clinic, hotel, and supermarket) and the climatic condition (Hot, Cooling Based, Moderate, Heating based, and Cold). We also consider two control strategies: one that minimizes the energy cost, and one that minimizes the primary energy consumption. The plant performance is analyzed comparing the energy cost and the primary energy consumption to the business as usual scenario. The payback time is also evaluated to assess the economic feasibility to the plant.