Participation in IEA Annex 42 FC-COGEN-SIM: The Simulation of Building-integrated Fuel Cells and Other Cogeneration Systems

Lead Research Organisation: University of Strathclyde
Department Name: Energy Systems Research Unit

Abstract

In the UK and much of the rest of the world the concept of micro-combined heat and power (micro-CHP), the provision of heat and power from small, energy efficient sources is gradually gaining momentum. In the UK, the Energy White Paper cited micro-CHP as one of the means by which UK carbon emissions could be significantly reduced. However, it is still unclear whether micro-CHP can meet the twin demands of meeting end-user requirements while also reducing domestic sector carbon emissions. This proposal is for travel funds to enable the University of Strathclyde to continue its participation in the International Energy Agency's Annex 42, which is being run under its Energy Conservation in Building and Community Systems programme (ECBCS). The fundamental objective of Annex 42 is to undertake technical, environmental and economic assessments of micro-CHP technologies using simulation modelling backed-up by laboratory testing and field trials. The major contribution of the University to Annex 42 is to lead activities in model development and testing. Funding will allow the University to participate fully within the Annex and assist in the delivery of a validated model of an internal combustion engine micro-CHP device and assessment of the performance of micro-CHP technologies in typical UK dwellings.Funding will also allow the University to disseminate the outcomes of the Annex (particularly model development and assessment results) to the research community and industry groups.

Publications

10 25 50
publication icon
Burt G (2008) Assessment of highly distributed power systems using an integrated simulation approach in Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part A: Journal of Power and Energy

publication icon
Ferguson A (2009) Modelling residential-scale combustion-based cogeneration in building simulation in Journal of Building Performance Simulation

publication icon
Kelly N (2008) Developing and testing a generic micro-combined heat and power model for simulations of dwellings and highly distributed power systems in Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part A: Journal of Power and Energy

 
Description EPSRC travel grant EP/D043948/1 allowed Dr Nick Kelly of ESRU to attend four working meetings of the Annex and also allowed his participation in the final dissemination conference of the Annex's work. The funding proved crucial to the eventual success of the Annex in that it was during the period of the grant that the main software outputs from the Annex's work were refined, validated and integrated into simulation tools used by thousands of engineers and modelling practitioners worldwide. ESRU was directly responsible for contributing to and managing this activity and would have been unable to do so without funding. Associated deliverables were as follows.- A validated generic model around which the Stirling engine SE and internal combustion engine ICE device models were developed. - The models were implemented within three well-known building simulation software tools: ESP-r (UK), TRNSYS (US), EnergyPlus (US), which are used by thousands of engineers and researchers worldwide.- Two simulation studies were undertaken using the models. These dealt with the optimisation of thermal storage for micro-CHP in UK housing (Beyer and Kelly, 2008) and assessing the impact of micro-CHP and other microgeneration technologies on the UK electricity network (Kelly et al, 2008). - A total of 10 publications have emerged directly from ESRU's participation in Annex 42. These cover topics ranging from the development of the software models through to their use in practice. Of the publications listed, 7 feature international co-authors and 2 feature collaborators from Supergen HDPS.
 
Description 2nd International Conference in Microgeneration and Related Technologies, Glasgow April 4-6 2011 
Form Of Engagement Activity Scientific meeting (conference/symposium etc.)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Chair : Participation in conference : Conference Chair 2nd International Conference in Microgeneration and Related Technologies, Glasgow April 4-6 2011.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2011
 
Description 2nd International Conference in Microgeneration and Related Technologies, Glasgow April 4-6 2011 
Form Of Engagement Activity Scientific meeting (conference/symposium etc.)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Primary Audience
Results and Impact Chair : Participation in conference : Conference Chair 2nd International Conference in Microgeneration and Related Technologies, Glasgow April 4-6 2011.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2011