A domestic CHP system with hybrid electrical energy storage

CHP (combined heat and power) is widely regarded as one of the most promising technologies to resolve energy-related problems, such as primary energy saving, emission reducing etc. Domestic CHP is the energy system applied to the household sector to supply both electric and heat energy to users. Due to the dissimilar characteristics between household electricity and heat demands, conventional off-grid CHP systems may not satisfy both of the demands simultaneously. This study developed a domestic CHP system in which an engine-based CHP fuelled by biofuels was integrated with a hybrid electric energy storage system and operated under FEL (following electric load) energy management strategy. Experimental tests validate the feasibility of this application and the results show that the system can satisfy the fluctuant energy demands in a domestic dwelling. The overall energy efficiency has been improved by 47.86% compared to conventional CHP.

► This study developed a biofuel CHP–HEES system.
► A smaller engine/generator can be employed in this system.
► CHP–HEES system proposed works at much higher electric efficiency.
► With integration of the HEES, both electric and heat demands can be fully satisfied.
► Overall energy efficiency increases to 63.10% with improvement by 46.89%.