Technical and Economic Assessment of Micro-Cogeneration Systems for Residential Applications

Pavel Atănăsoae
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Pavel Atănăsoae: Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava, Universitatii 13, 720229 Suceava, Romania

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 3, 1-19

Abstract: The benefits of cogeneration or combined heat and power (CHP) of large power systems are well proven. The technical and economic viability of micro-cogeneration systems is discussed in this paper as it compares to the separate production of electricity and heat. A case study for an individual household is also provided to better understand the benefits of small power cogeneration from renewable energy sources. Two micro-CHP systems are considered for analysis: the first with Stirling engine, and the second with Rankine Organic Cycle. The reference scenario is an individual household with a gas boiler and electricity from the public network. The results show that it is possible that the payback period for the micro-CHP from renewable energy sources will fall below the accepted average value (<15 years) without the support schemes. The economic and environmental benefits of small power cogeneration systems compared to the traditional scenario are highlighted.

Keywords: combined heat and power plants; micro-CHP; cost benefit analysis; renewable energy sources; residential applications; investment analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:3:p:1074-:d:315939

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