Fuel Cell Economic Assessment for Residential Market

Abstract:- The aim of this study is to investigate the economic viability of fuel cell (FC) applications in the residential market from the customer’s viewpoint. An economic assessment of the technology is carried out by means of simulations of fuel cell’s operation in a variety of residential segments. The segments considered are single family detached houses, duplex-triplex and multi-apartment buildings. For this purpose, a simulation code was developed by combining technical and economical variables with monitored energy data. Indicators such as payback period and breakeven cost have been determined under different scenarios. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to determine the effect of technical and economical parameters on the FC economics. The investigated parameters include electric efficiency, FC capacity, battery storage and capital cost