Model-based assessment of the role of natural gas-based micro-CHP in residential energy supply systems

Mathematical modelling and optimization of the natural gas based Distributed Energy Supply System (DESS), both at the building level and the overall energy supply network level was carried out for three types of micro-CHP - solid oxide fuel cells, Stirling engines, internal combustion engines - and for two operating strategies - cost-driven and primary energy-driven. The modelling framework has particularly allowed the quantification of the impact of micro-CHP on the total primary energy consumption at the whole network level. The result of a case study based on the UK reveals the range of the overall reduction in primary energy usage and central power plant capacity requirement and the range of the increase in natural gas supply to homes. The economic analysis shows that the coupling of different technologies, sizes of the CHP engine, and the operating strategies gives rise to a wide range of payback time. © 2013 Elsevier B.V