Optimum Prime Mover Sizing in Combined Heat

and Power SystemsMehdi Aghaei Meybodi

Supervised by: Prof. Masud Behnia School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering

The University of Sydney

The term combined heat and power (CHP) refers to the simultaneous production of electrical (or mechanical) and thermal energy from a single primary source.

The advantages of CHP systems

The simultaneous production of useful thermal and electrical energy in CHP systems lead to increased fuel efficiency. CHP units can be strategically located at the point of energy use. Such onsite generation avoids the transmission and distribution losses associated with electricity purchased via the grid from central stations. CHP is versatile and can be coupled with existing and planned technologies for many different applications in the industrial, commercial, and residential sectors. Due to lower consumption of fuel, CHP systems offer significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to separate heat and power production systems.

CHP versus separate heat and power production (EPA, USA)

Optimum selection of prime movers in CHP systems is of crucial importance due to the fact that inappropriate choices reduce the benefits of these systems considerably.

In the selection procedure, the performance characteristics of prime movers as well as economic parameters should be taken into account.

In evaluating CHP systems from an economic point of view both capital and maintenance costs should be considered.

Studied Prime Movers

Gas Turbine

Internal Combustion Engines (Diesel Engine, Gas Engine)

Microturbine

Steam Turbine

Stirling Engine

Develop a thermo-economic approach to selecting the optimum prime movers in CHP systems.

Annual cash flow (ACF) and net present value (NPV) methods are applied.

The impact of carbon tax as well as the emission trading scheme is studied.

Our Research Focus