The Experts below are selected from a list of 1341 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Evgueniy Entchev - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Smart hybrid renewable Microgeneration system for residential applications
International Journal of Global Warming, 2017Co-Authors: Evgueniy Entchev, Mohamed Ghorab, Libing Yang, E. C. KangAbstract:Microgeneration systems generate power and heat at the point of use by utilising a variety of conventional and renewable technologies. They demonstrate a comparable electric efficiency to the conventional power generation stations, good environmental performance and ability to serve as a source for both primary and back-up power. Assembled in microgrids or in 'virtual power plant' they can serve multiple buildings and be active participants in load management efforts both on site and on the grid. The study investigates the performance of a hybrid renewable ground source heat pump (GSHP)/photovoltaic thermal (PVT) Microgeneration system serving multiple residential and small office buildings in Ottawa, Canada and Incheon, South Korea. The analysis shows that the energy performance of the GSHP/PVT system results in considerable overall energy savings in comparison to conventional and single GSHP system due to the higher renewable component. The energy analysis results indicate that the extra capital investment incurred to the GSHP-PVT system is possible to be returned within its lifespan, especially with the current trend of continuous equipment and installation price reductions. Further reducing of buildings' dependence from the electricity grid could also be achieved within the 'smart energy networks' concept and with utilities various load shaving and load levelling strategies.
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performance prediction of a hybrid Microgeneration system using adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system anfis technique
Applied Energy, 2014Co-Authors: L Yang, Evgueniy EntchevAbstract:This study investigates the application of Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) technique to predict the performance of a hybrid Microgeneration system. The hybrid system consists of an internal combustion engine (1kWe and 3.2kWth) integrated with a high efficiency condensing furnace (16.4kWth). Real life system performance data has been collected during a heating/shoulder season in a controlled field-trial at Canadian Centre for Housing Technologies for total of 26days. Four ANFIS models, were developed, trained and validated with the collected filed-trial performance data sets and applied to predicting the system operating temperatures. The MATLAB® ANFIS models were then interfaced with TRNSYS building and controller modules to establish a whole-system model to predict the hybrid Microgeneration unit’s seasonal performance.
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performance analysis of a hybrid renewable Microgeneration system in load sharing applications
Applied Thermal Engineering, 2014Co-Authors: Evgueniy Entchev, Libing Yang, Mohamed GhorabAbstract:Abstract Governments around the world are taking measures to minimize the humans' impact on the climate and environment by reducing emissions and energy use in all sectors. Microgeneration utilizing renewable energy is a suitable approach to reduce energy consumption and carbon emission by offering high efficiency performance, offsetting the need for centrally-generated grid electricity and avoiding transmission/distribution losses associated with it. This study investigates the performance of a hybrid renewable Microgeneration system in load sharing application between a detached house and a small office building. Two renewable energy systems are investigated: a ground source heat pump (GSHP) system and a hybrid GSHP/Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT) Microgeneration system. The performance of the renewable systems is compared to a conventional system that utilizes boiler and chiller to meet the thermal loads of the two buildings. Computer models are developed for the three selected systems and then simulated in TRNSYS-17 environment over one full year under Ottawa, Canada weather conditions. The simulation results show that, by implementing a single GSHP system able to meet both heating and cooling loads of the buildings, an overall energy saving close to 46% can be achieved mainly due to the introduction of a significant renewable component. The integrated hybrid GSHP–PVT system, however, results a much higher overall energy saving of 58% due to the contribution of both geothermal and solar energy. Additionally, the GSHP–PVT Microgeneration system's capability to generate both heat and power at the point of use is considered more attractive for new and remote community applications where lack of central generation stations and costly connection to the grid is neither an affordable nor a preferable option. Furthermore, reducing the buildings' dependence on the electricity grid also fits well with the “smart grid” concept and with utilities various load shaving and load levelling strategies.
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energy and cost analyses of a hybrid renewable Microgeneration system serving multiple residential and small office buildings
Applied Thermal Engineering, 2014Co-Authors: Libing Yang, Evgueniy Entchev, Mohamed Ghorab, E. C. KangAbstract:Abstract This study investigates the energy and cost performance of hybrid renewable ground source heat pump (GSHP) and natural gas fueled fuel cell (FC) Microgeneration systems serving multiple residential and small office buildings in Ottawa (Canada) and Incheon (South Korea). The study is performed by simulations in TRNSYS environment. The performance of the Microgeneration system is compared to a GSHP only system. In addition, the impact of the FC capacities, natural gas price and electricity price on the system's energy and cost performance is examined. The energy analysis results show that the GSHP–FC systems have less primary energy consumption compared to the GSHP only system in both geographic locations. However, whether a GSHP–FC system could achieve operational cost saving is strongly dependent on the local natural gas and electricity prices and also on the building heating, cooling and electrical loads and their patterns. The GSHP–FC Microgeneration systems could yield operational cost savings at locations where the natural gas (or other input fuel to the FC) price is much lower than the electricity price, such as in Ottawa. At locations where with exceptionally high natural gas to electricity price ratio, such as in Korea, no operational cost saving could be attained by the GSHP–FC system. The cost analysis results indicate that, in Ottawa, the extra capital investment incurred to the GSHP–FC system is possible to be returned within its lifespan, especially with the current trend of continuous price reductions of FC equipment and installation resulting from economy of scale and market expansion. Nevertheless, the GSHP–FC Microgeneration systems' capability to generate both electricity and thermal energy at the point of use is generally considered more attractive for inclusion in the “smart” energy networks, new and remote community applications.
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Performance prediction of a hybrid Microgeneration system using adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) technique
Applied Energy, 2014Co-Authors: Evgueniy EntchevAbstract:This study investigates the application of Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) technique to predict the performance of a hybrid Microgeneration system. The hybrid system consists of an internal combustion engine (1 kWeand 3.2 kWth) integrated with a high efficiency condensing furnace (16.4 kWth). Real life system performance data has been collected during a heating/shoulder season in a controlled field-trial at Canadian Centre for Housing Technologies for total of 26days. Four ANFIS models, were developed, trained and validated with the collected filed-trial performance data sets and applied to predicting the system operating temperatures. The MATLAB® ANFIS models were then interfaced with TRNSYS building and controller modules to establish a whole-system model to predict the hybrid Microgeneration unit's seasonal performance. The validation results confirm the applicability of the developed ANFIS models for predicting system operating temperatures over a wide range of operational conditions. The study demonstrates that the integrated system model is capable of predicting the system's seasonal performance with a high degree of accuracy and minimum time demand, and can effectively replace the costly and time consuming real-life experiments and trails. © 2014.
E. C. Kang - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Smart hybrid renewable Microgeneration system for residential applications
International Journal of Global Warming, 2017Co-Authors: Evgueniy Entchev, Mohamed Ghorab, Libing Yang, E. C. KangAbstract:Microgeneration systems generate power and heat at the point of use by utilising a variety of conventional and renewable technologies. They demonstrate a comparable electric efficiency to the conventional power generation stations, good environmental performance and ability to serve as a source for both primary and back-up power. Assembled in microgrids or in 'virtual power plant' they can serve multiple buildings and be active participants in load management efforts both on site and on the grid. The study investigates the performance of a hybrid renewable ground source heat pump (GSHP)/photovoltaic thermal (PVT) Microgeneration system serving multiple residential and small office buildings in Ottawa, Canada and Incheon, South Korea. The analysis shows that the energy performance of the GSHP/PVT system results in considerable overall energy savings in comparison to conventional and single GSHP system due to the higher renewable component. The energy analysis results indicate that the extra capital investment incurred to the GSHP-PVT system is possible to be returned within its lifespan, especially with the current trend of continuous equipment and installation price reductions. Further reducing of buildings' dependence from the electricity grid could also be achieved within the 'smart energy networks' concept and with utilities various load shaving and load levelling strategies.
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energy and cost analyses of a hybrid renewable Microgeneration system serving multiple residential and small office buildings
Applied Thermal Engineering, 2014Co-Authors: Libing Yang, Evgueniy Entchev, Mohamed Ghorab, E. C. KangAbstract:Abstract This study investigates the energy and cost performance of hybrid renewable ground source heat pump (GSHP) and natural gas fueled fuel cell (FC) Microgeneration systems serving multiple residential and small office buildings in Ottawa (Canada) and Incheon (South Korea). The study is performed by simulations in TRNSYS environment. The performance of the Microgeneration system is compared to a GSHP only system. In addition, the impact of the FC capacities, natural gas price and electricity price on the system's energy and cost performance is examined. The energy analysis results show that the GSHP–FC systems have less primary energy consumption compared to the GSHP only system in both geographic locations. However, whether a GSHP–FC system could achieve operational cost saving is strongly dependent on the local natural gas and electricity prices and also on the building heating, cooling and electrical loads and their patterns. The GSHP–FC Microgeneration systems could yield operational cost savings at locations where the natural gas (or other input fuel to the FC) price is much lower than the electricity price, such as in Ottawa. At locations where with exceptionally high natural gas to electricity price ratio, such as in Korea, no operational cost saving could be attained by the GSHP–FC system. The cost analysis results indicate that, in Ottawa, the extra capital investment incurred to the GSHP–FC system is possible to be returned within its lifespan, especially with the current trend of continuous price reductions of FC equipment and installation resulting from economy of scale and market expansion. Nevertheless, the GSHP–FC Microgeneration systems' capability to generate both electricity and thermal energy at the point of use is generally considered more attractive for inclusion in the “smart” energy networks, new and remote community applications.
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Energy and cost analyses of a hybrid renewable Microgeneration system serving multiple residential and small office buildings
Applied Thermal Engineering, 2014Co-Authors: Evgueniy Entchev, Mohamed Ghorab, E. J. Lee, E. C. KangAbstract:This study investigates the energy and cost performance of hybrid renewable ground source heat pump (GSHP) and natural gas fueled fuel cell (FC) Microgeneration systems serving multiple residential and small office buildings in Ottawa (Canada) and Incheon (South Korea). The study is performed by simulations in TRNSYS environment. The performance of the Microgeneration system is compared to a GSHP only system. In addition, the impact of the FC capacities, natural gas price and electricity price on the system's energy and cost performance is examined. The energy analysis results show that the GSHP-FC systems have less primary energy consumption compared to the GSHP only system in both geographic locations. However, whether a GSHP-FC system could achieve operational cost saving is strongly dependent on the local natural gas and electricity prices and also on the building heating, cooling and electrical loads and their patterns. The GSHP-FC Microgeneration systems could yield operational cost savings at locations where the natural gas (or other input fuel to the FC) price is much lower than the electricity price, such as in Ottawa. At locations where with exceptionally high natural gas to electricity price ratio, such as in Korea, no operational cost saving could be attained by the GSHP-FC system. The cost analysis results indicate that, in Ottawa, the extra capital investment incurred to the GSHP-FC system is possible to be returned within its lifespan, especially with the current trend of continuous price reductions of FC equipment and installation resulting from economy of scale and market expansion. Nevertheless, the GSHP-FC Microgeneration systems' capability to generate both electricity and thermal energy at the point of use is generally considered more attractive for inclusion in the "smart" energy networks, new and remote community applications. © 2014 [Author/Employing Institution]. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Mohamed Ghorab - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Smart hybrid renewable Microgeneration system for residential applications
International Journal of Global Warming, 2017Co-Authors: Evgueniy Entchev, Mohamed Ghorab, Libing Yang, E. C. KangAbstract:Microgeneration systems generate power and heat at the point of use by utilising a variety of conventional and renewable technologies. They demonstrate a comparable electric efficiency to the conventional power generation stations, good environmental performance and ability to serve as a source for both primary and back-up power. Assembled in microgrids or in 'virtual power plant' they can serve multiple buildings and be active participants in load management efforts both on site and on the grid. The study investigates the performance of a hybrid renewable ground source heat pump (GSHP)/photovoltaic thermal (PVT) Microgeneration system serving multiple residential and small office buildings in Ottawa, Canada and Incheon, South Korea. The analysis shows that the energy performance of the GSHP/PVT system results in considerable overall energy savings in comparison to conventional and single GSHP system due to the higher renewable component. The energy analysis results indicate that the extra capital investment incurred to the GSHP-PVT system is possible to be returned within its lifespan, especially with the current trend of continuous equipment and installation price reductions. Further reducing of buildings' dependence from the electricity grid could also be achieved within the 'smart energy networks' concept and with utilities various load shaving and load levelling strategies.
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performance analysis of a hybrid renewable Microgeneration system in load sharing applications
Applied Thermal Engineering, 2014Co-Authors: Evgueniy Entchev, Libing Yang, Mohamed GhorabAbstract:Abstract Governments around the world are taking measures to minimize the humans' impact on the climate and environment by reducing emissions and energy use in all sectors. Microgeneration utilizing renewable energy is a suitable approach to reduce energy consumption and carbon emission by offering high efficiency performance, offsetting the need for centrally-generated grid electricity and avoiding transmission/distribution losses associated with it. This study investigates the performance of a hybrid renewable Microgeneration system in load sharing application between a detached house and a small office building. Two renewable energy systems are investigated: a ground source heat pump (GSHP) system and a hybrid GSHP/Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT) Microgeneration system. The performance of the renewable systems is compared to a conventional system that utilizes boiler and chiller to meet the thermal loads of the two buildings. Computer models are developed for the three selected systems and then simulated in TRNSYS-17 environment over one full year under Ottawa, Canada weather conditions. The simulation results show that, by implementing a single GSHP system able to meet both heating and cooling loads of the buildings, an overall energy saving close to 46% can be achieved mainly due to the introduction of a significant renewable component. The integrated hybrid GSHP–PVT system, however, results a much higher overall energy saving of 58% due to the contribution of both geothermal and solar energy. Additionally, the GSHP–PVT Microgeneration system's capability to generate both heat and power at the point of use is considered more attractive for new and remote community applications where lack of central generation stations and costly connection to the grid is neither an affordable nor a preferable option. Furthermore, reducing the buildings' dependence on the electricity grid also fits well with the “smart grid” concept and with utilities various load shaving and load levelling strategies.
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energy and cost analyses of a hybrid renewable Microgeneration system serving multiple residential and small office buildings
Applied Thermal Engineering, 2014Co-Authors: Libing Yang, Evgueniy Entchev, Mohamed Ghorab, E. C. KangAbstract:Abstract This study investigates the energy and cost performance of hybrid renewable ground source heat pump (GSHP) and natural gas fueled fuel cell (FC) Microgeneration systems serving multiple residential and small office buildings in Ottawa (Canada) and Incheon (South Korea). The study is performed by simulations in TRNSYS environment. The performance of the Microgeneration system is compared to a GSHP only system. In addition, the impact of the FC capacities, natural gas price and electricity price on the system's energy and cost performance is examined. The energy analysis results show that the GSHP–FC systems have less primary energy consumption compared to the GSHP only system in both geographic locations. However, whether a GSHP–FC system could achieve operational cost saving is strongly dependent on the local natural gas and electricity prices and also on the building heating, cooling and electrical loads and their patterns. The GSHP–FC Microgeneration systems could yield operational cost savings at locations where the natural gas (or other input fuel to the FC) price is much lower than the electricity price, such as in Ottawa. At locations where with exceptionally high natural gas to electricity price ratio, such as in Korea, no operational cost saving could be attained by the GSHP–FC system. The cost analysis results indicate that, in Ottawa, the extra capital investment incurred to the GSHP–FC system is possible to be returned within its lifespan, especially with the current trend of continuous price reductions of FC equipment and installation resulting from economy of scale and market expansion. Nevertheless, the GSHP–FC Microgeneration systems' capability to generate both electricity and thermal energy at the point of use is generally considered more attractive for inclusion in the “smart” energy networks, new and remote community applications.
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Energy and cost analyses of a hybrid renewable Microgeneration system serving multiple residential and small office buildings
Applied Thermal Engineering, 2014Co-Authors: Evgueniy Entchev, Mohamed Ghorab, E. J. Lee, E. C. KangAbstract:This study investigates the energy and cost performance of hybrid renewable ground source heat pump (GSHP) and natural gas fueled fuel cell (FC) Microgeneration systems serving multiple residential and small office buildings in Ottawa (Canada) and Incheon (South Korea). The study is performed by simulations in TRNSYS environment. The performance of the Microgeneration system is compared to a GSHP only system. In addition, the impact of the FC capacities, natural gas price and electricity price on the system's energy and cost performance is examined. The energy analysis results show that the GSHP-FC systems have less primary energy consumption compared to the GSHP only system in both geographic locations. However, whether a GSHP-FC system could achieve operational cost saving is strongly dependent on the local natural gas and electricity prices and also on the building heating, cooling and electrical loads and their patterns. The GSHP-FC Microgeneration systems could yield operational cost savings at locations where the natural gas (or other input fuel to the FC) price is much lower than the electricity price, such as in Ottawa. At locations where with exceptionally high natural gas to electricity price ratio, such as in Korea, no operational cost saving could be attained by the GSHP-FC system. The cost analysis results indicate that, in Ottawa, the extra capital investment incurred to the GSHP-FC system is possible to be returned within its lifespan, especially with the current trend of continuous price reductions of FC equipment and installation resulting from economy of scale and market expansion. Nevertheless, the GSHP-FC Microgeneration systems' capability to generate both electricity and thermal energy at the point of use is generally considered more attractive for inclusion in the "smart" energy networks, new and remote community applications. © 2014 [Author/Employing Institution]. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
J R Mcdonald - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Analysis of transient stability enhancement of LV-connected induction microgenerators by using resistive-type fault current limiters
IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 2010Co-Authors: A. S. Emhemed, Nand K. Singh, Ryan M. Tumilty, Graeme M. Burt, J R McdonaldAbstract:In this paper an analytical method by which the transient stability of an induction machine is maintained regardless of the fault clearance times is introduced. The method can be applied in order to improve the transient stability of a large penetration of low-voltage (LV) connected Microgeneration that can be directly interfaced by single-phase induction generators within domestic premises. The analysis investigates the effectiveness of using resistive-type superconducting fault current limiters (RSFCLs) as remedial measures to prevent the microgenerators from reaching their speed limits during remote faults, and hence improving their transient stability. This will prevent unnecessary disconnection of a large penetration of LV-connected Microgeneration and thus avoiding the sudden appearance of hidden loads, and unbalanced voltage conditions. The minimum required value of a resistive element of RSFCL for mitigating the transient instability phenomena of LV-connected Microgeneration based on the system and connected machine parameters is determined. The analytical method has been validated by conducting informative transient studies by using detailed models of a small microwind turbine with constant mechanical output interfaced directly within residential dwellings by a single-phase induction generator, a transient model of resistive superconducting fault current limiter (RSFCL), and a typical suburban distribution network with residential loads. All the models are developed in the time-domain PSCAD/EMTDC dynamic simulation.
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improving the transient performance of a high penetration of lv connected Microgeneration
Power and Energy Society General Meeting, 2009Co-Authors: A. S. Emhemed, Nand K. Singh, Ryan M. Tumilty, Graeme Burt, J R McdonaldAbstract:This paper widens the knowledge about the Microgeneration transient response under faulted conditions. The paper provides the following significant contributions: Firstly, a range of Microgeneration transient models have been developed in PSCAD/EMTDC and tested on a typical distribution network. Two types of technologies are considered: a small diesel engine driving a three-phase synchronous machine connected within commercial premises; and a small microwind turbine interfaced directly within residential dwellings by a single-phase induction generator. Secondly, a valuable insight into the transient behavioral of this range of technologies during and after the clearing of remote faults at a medium voltage (MV) distribution system is provided, and their resilience levels are quantified. Thirdly, for reliable Microgeneration operating in parallel with the distribution networks, the paper includes a discussion on some of remedial measures by which the transient stability of a large penetration of Microgeneration may be improved. Also in this paper the inclusion of resistive superconducting fault current limiters into medium voltage distribution systems has been proposed as one of the practical solutions that can enhance the transient performance of large numbers of low voltage connected Microgeneration. The effectiveness of fault current limiters on the grid-connected Microgeneration transient stability enhancement has also been evaluated.
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Flexible control of converter-interfaced Microgeneration
2008 IEEE Power and Energy Society General Meeting - Conversion and Delivery of Electrical Energy in the 21st Century, 2008Co-Authors: A.h. Rafa, Olimpo Anaya-lara, J R McdonaldAbstract:Previous research work has demonstrated that Microgeneration improves security of supply and contributes to reduce carbon emissions. However, it has also been recognized that it imposes various challenges in particular with regards to network stability, control and protection. This paper focuses on controlling the power flow from converter-connected Microgeneration units to the distribution network. A control scheme is presented which allows controlling independently each phase of three-phase converter-interfaced Microgeneration sources. It is demonstrated that this technique provides additional control flexibility to balance voltages in a distribution network with high penetration of Microgeneration. The performance of this controller is tested and explained using case studies implemented in PSCAD/EMTDC.
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Transient performance analysis of low voltage connected Microgeneration
2008 IEEE Power and Energy Society General Meeting - Conversion and Delivery of Electrical Energy in the 21st Century, 2008Co-Authors: A. S. Emhemed, Ryan M. Tumilty, Graeme M. Burt, J R McdonaldAbstract:The growing awareness of the environmental impacts of large-scale thermal generating units has stimulated interest in Microgeneration that is installed within domestic or commercial premises. This paper investigates the transient response to be expected from a range of Microgeneration units that could typically be connected. The paper examines the impact of fault locations, typical fault clearance times and generator/prime mover technologies on the ability of microgenerators to maintain stability when subject to disturbances during and after clearing of both local low and remote medium voltage faults. The paper also presents the study of the step voltage changes occurring due to the simultaneous reconnection of a large number of microgenerators within a small area of the network. Two types of technologies are considered in this paper: a small diesel engine driving a three-phase synchronous machine connected within commercial premises; and a small microwind turbine interfaced directly within a residential dwelling by a single-phase induction generator.
Libing Yang - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Smart hybrid renewable Microgeneration system for residential applications
International Journal of Global Warming, 2017Co-Authors: Evgueniy Entchev, Mohamed Ghorab, Libing Yang, E. C. KangAbstract:Microgeneration systems generate power and heat at the point of use by utilising a variety of conventional and renewable technologies. They demonstrate a comparable electric efficiency to the conventional power generation stations, good environmental performance and ability to serve as a source for both primary and back-up power. Assembled in microgrids or in 'virtual power plant' they can serve multiple buildings and be active participants in load management efforts both on site and on the grid. The study investigates the performance of a hybrid renewable ground source heat pump (GSHP)/photovoltaic thermal (PVT) Microgeneration system serving multiple residential and small office buildings in Ottawa, Canada and Incheon, South Korea. The analysis shows that the energy performance of the GSHP/PVT system results in considerable overall energy savings in comparison to conventional and single GSHP system due to the higher renewable component. The energy analysis results indicate that the extra capital investment incurred to the GSHP-PVT system is possible to be returned within its lifespan, especially with the current trend of continuous equipment and installation price reductions. Further reducing of buildings' dependence from the electricity grid could also be achieved within the 'smart energy networks' concept and with utilities various load shaving and load levelling strategies.
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performance analysis of a hybrid renewable Microgeneration system in load sharing applications
Applied Thermal Engineering, 2014Co-Authors: Evgueniy Entchev, Libing Yang, Mohamed GhorabAbstract:Abstract Governments around the world are taking measures to minimize the humans' impact on the climate and environment by reducing emissions and energy use in all sectors. Microgeneration utilizing renewable energy is a suitable approach to reduce energy consumption and carbon emission by offering high efficiency performance, offsetting the need for centrally-generated grid electricity and avoiding transmission/distribution losses associated with it. This study investigates the performance of a hybrid renewable Microgeneration system in load sharing application between a detached house and a small office building. Two renewable energy systems are investigated: a ground source heat pump (GSHP) system and a hybrid GSHP/Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT) Microgeneration system. The performance of the renewable systems is compared to a conventional system that utilizes boiler and chiller to meet the thermal loads of the two buildings. Computer models are developed for the three selected systems and then simulated in TRNSYS-17 environment over one full year under Ottawa, Canada weather conditions. The simulation results show that, by implementing a single GSHP system able to meet both heating and cooling loads of the buildings, an overall energy saving close to 46% can be achieved mainly due to the introduction of a significant renewable component. The integrated hybrid GSHP–PVT system, however, results a much higher overall energy saving of 58% due to the contribution of both geothermal and solar energy. Additionally, the GSHP–PVT Microgeneration system's capability to generate both heat and power at the point of use is considered more attractive for new and remote community applications where lack of central generation stations and costly connection to the grid is neither an affordable nor a preferable option. Furthermore, reducing the buildings' dependence on the electricity grid also fits well with the “smart grid” concept and with utilities various load shaving and load levelling strategies.
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energy and cost analyses of a hybrid renewable Microgeneration system serving multiple residential and small office buildings
Applied Thermal Engineering, 2014Co-Authors: Libing Yang, Evgueniy Entchev, Mohamed Ghorab, E. C. KangAbstract:Abstract This study investigates the energy and cost performance of hybrid renewable ground source heat pump (GSHP) and natural gas fueled fuel cell (FC) Microgeneration systems serving multiple residential and small office buildings in Ottawa (Canada) and Incheon (South Korea). The study is performed by simulations in TRNSYS environment. The performance of the Microgeneration system is compared to a GSHP only system. In addition, the impact of the FC capacities, natural gas price and electricity price on the system's energy and cost performance is examined. The energy analysis results show that the GSHP–FC systems have less primary energy consumption compared to the GSHP only system in both geographic locations. However, whether a GSHP–FC system could achieve operational cost saving is strongly dependent on the local natural gas and electricity prices and also on the building heating, cooling and electrical loads and their patterns. The GSHP–FC Microgeneration systems could yield operational cost savings at locations where the natural gas (or other input fuel to the FC) price is much lower than the electricity price, such as in Ottawa. At locations where with exceptionally high natural gas to electricity price ratio, such as in Korea, no operational cost saving could be attained by the GSHP–FC system. The cost analysis results indicate that, in Ottawa, the extra capital investment incurred to the GSHP–FC system is possible to be returned within its lifespan, especially with the current trend of continuous price reductions of FC equipment and installation resulting from economy of scale and market expansion. Nevertheless, the GSHP–FC Microgeneration systems' capability to generate both electricity and thermal energy at the point of use is generally considered more attractive for inclusion in the “smart” energy networks, new and remote community applications.