Micro-combined heat and power

20 Energy server by BLOOM (Photo courtesy of Bloom Energy) 

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In Japan, being completely dependant on fossil fuels imports, a long tradition exists in developing stationary and mobile fuel cell applications. Programs funded by the NEDO and METI departments have already resulted in hundreds of small scale micro Combined Heat and Power Units as well as fuel cell vehicles running in road demonstrations [4]. 

Hawkes A, Leach M, (2005). Sohd oxide fuel cell systems for residential micro-combined heat and power in the UK Key economic drivers. Journal of Power Sources, 149 72-83 Hellmana H, van den Hoed R, (2007). Characterising fuel cell technology Challenges of the commercialisation process. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 32 305 - 315 Hermann A, Chaudhuri T, Spagnol P, (2005). Bipolar plates for PEM fuel cells A review. 

DBcentral cogeneration of heat and power with a micro combined heat and power syelein... 

Small and micro combined heat and power (CHP) systems Advanced design, performance, materials and applications... 

Korsgaard, A.R., Nielsen, M.P., and Kaer, S.K. (2008) Part two control of a novel HTPEM-based micro combined heat and power fuel cell system. Int.J. Hydrogen Energy, 33, 1921. 

Braun, R.J., Klein, S.A., and Reindl, D.T. (2006) Evaluation of system configurations for solid oxide fuel cell-based micro-combined heat and power generators in residential applications. J. Power Sources, 158, 1290-1305. 

Braun, R.J. (2010) Techno-economic optimal design of solid oxide fuel cell systems for micro-combined heat and power applications in the US. J. Pud Cell Sci. Technd., 7, 031018. 

The current trend towards decentralised power generation has generated interest in small scale, or micro-combined heat and power plant - micro-CHP. While these units can have power outputs of a few kW, the other micro concept relates to the gas turbine alone. While the typical micro-CHP unit is not intensified in our recognition of the term, the micro-turbines proposed with outputs of a few tens of Watts enter the arena currently inhabited by micro-fuel cells. Thus, uses in portable electronic equipment, micro-aerial vehicles, nano-satellites and other similar-sized devices are put forward as reasons for the development of such small turbines. 

Topsoe Fuel Cell uses a classification of the potential target applications in three generic market segments micro-combined heat and power (micro-CHP), auxiliary power units (APU), and distributed generation (DG). In Fig. 20.10, the market segments are grouped following this classification. 

Hawkes AD, Aguiar P, Hemandez-Aramburo CA, Leach MA, Brandon NP, Green TC, Adjiman CS (2006) Techno-economic modelling of a solid oxide fuel cell stack for micro combined heat and power. J Power Sources 156 321-333... 

Hawkes AD, Leach MA (2007) Cost-effective operating strategy for residential micro-combined heat and power. Energy 32 711-723... 

Hawkes AD, Aguiar P, Croxford B, Leach MA, Adjiman CS, Brandon NP (2007) Solid oxide fuel cell micro combined heat and power system operating strategy Options for provision of residential space and water heating. J Power Sources 164 260-271... 

Romero-Pascual E, Soler J (2013) Modelling of am HT-based micro-combined heat and power fuel cell system with methanol. Int J Hydrogen Eneigy 39 4053- 59... 

Hawkes A, StaffeU I, Brett D, Brandon N, Fuel cells for micro-combined heat and power generation . Energy Environ. Set., 2009c, 2,729-744. 

This chapter looks at the two main options under development micro-combined heat and power (mCHP), which is grid supported, and off-grid power. It discusses the speed of development in each, the main developers, costs, fuel choice and also provides a short section on policy. Note that the main discussion on policy is in Chapter 7. 

Combined heat and power (CHP). A micro combined heat and power unit can be a direct replacement for a conventional domestic boiler. The combined heat and power unit can use most types of fuel and are therefore described as fuel neutral. This new technology is developing quite quickly. 

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