engleski

Analysis of Cogeneration System with Fuel Cell

Recently cogeneration systems are getting more and more attention as a solution for increased energy efficiency and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. This paper analyses technical and economical feasibility of a power plant based on fuel cell cogeneration system for a local hospital complex, and compares it to the conventional technology based on combustion. The selected cogeneration system has to operate on natural gas and has to satisfy the demand for continuous, uninterrupted production of electricity up to nominal power of 2800 kW. The system is grid connected so that gains/deficits of generated power are dealt with its sale/purchase to/from the electrical grid. The by-product heat, from power generation is supplemented by a conventional natural gas boiler up to nominal 1300 kW thermal energy. Operation of the system is simulated using numerical simulation tools, which generated interesting results impacting its environmental and economic performance. While the environmental benefits of the analyzed fuel cell based cogeneration system are undisputable, its current high prices cannot justify the investment without government subsidies. However, the analysis shows under which scenarios - CO2 credits or penalties, future technology development and maturing and corresponding price reduction, liberalization of natural gas and electricity markets - such a cogeneration power plant would become cost competitive.

cogeneration, fuel cell

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