Micro-multigeneration modelling and operational assessment for residential applications

This paper addresses the modelling and operation of a micro-multigeneration system composed of a natural gas internal combustion engine (ICE)-based micro-cogenerator coupled with a reversible electrical heat pump, and a small-scale photovoltaic (PV) plant. The system is connected to the external gas distribution system and the electrical grid. A specific analysis tool has been implemented to assess the operational conditions of the system components during a specified time period of analysis. An extended range of simulations has been carried out under different operating conditions and with different available technologies, taking into account the inputs given by the electrical, heating and cooling load of the building to which the plant is connected. On these bases, the calculation of the operating costs has been carried out through the calculation of the gross operating margin, also including fiscal discounts on part of the fuel consumption and possible incentives to the electricity production from the PV system. The tool implemented enables the operator tracking the evolution in time of the technical variables and of the operating costs of the residential energy system.