Optimization and analysis of Building Combined Cooling, Heating and Power (BCHP) plants with chilled ice thermal storage system

Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems in Building Combined Cooling, Heating and Power (BCHP) plants are attracting more attentions nowadays in China. In this paper, a simple linear programming optimization model is developed for BCHP systems with an Ice Storage System (ISS), a hybrid Electric Chiller (EC) and Absorption Chiller (AC). Two BCHP systems (one with TES and the other without TES) are compared with the conventional system in a super high-rise building in Shanghai city. The design and operation of both BCHP systems are optimized with the linear programming tool. The results show that natural gas price is the most important factor regarding the economic performance of the BCHP plants, followed by electricity utility price and the price of the prime motor. In this case study, both BCHP options show higher energy use efficiency and better economic performance than the conventional solution. Compared with the BCHP system without TES, the one with TES has similar energy efficiency level, but lower operation cost due to its load shifting capability. Thus, considering the overall life cycle cost, the BCHP system with TES option is suggested to be used in similar high-rise buildings in Shanghai city.