The performance of small scale multi-generation technologies in achieving cost-optimal and zero-energy office building solutions

Ayman Mohamed, Mohamed Hamdy, Ala Hasan and Kai Sirén

Applied Energy, 2015, vol. 152, issue C, 94-108

Abstract: This study investigates the economic viability of small-scale, multi-generation systems (combined heat and power (CHP), combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP)), along with conventional heating and cooling systems combining sixteen heating/cooling energy generation systems (H/C-EGSs). The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EBPD) comparative framework methodology is followed. The local cost-optimal solution for an office building, in Helsinki, Finland is determined for each H/C-EGS as well as the global cost-optimum. The suggested energy efficiency measures get 144 building combinations, and alongside the H/C-EGSs, altogether 2304 cases. The results show that the global cost-optimum belongs to the ground source heat pump with free ground cooling. The investigated biomass-based CHPs are economically viable only with high overall efficiency and low power-to-heat ratio due to both low investment and operational costs. The biomass-based CCHPs do not have economic or environmental benefits over the biomass-based CHPs due to the significant increase entailed of both investment and operational costs. The fossil fuel-based CHPs with high operational costs are the worst solutions economically and environmentally. Extending the cost optimal solutions by a photovoltaic panels system yields the net zero-energy office building with minimum life-cycle costs as well.

Keywords: EPBD recast; Life-cycle cost; Biomass; Combined heating and power (CHP); Combined cooling heating and power (CCHP); Zero-energy office building (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (15)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:appene:v:152:y:2015:i:c:p:94-108

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DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2015.04.096

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