Evaluation and analysis of novel micro-scale combined cooling, heating and power (MCCHP) system

This paper introduces a new micro-scale combined cooling, heating and power (MCCHP) system, which is especially suitable for domestic and light commercial applications. It mainly consists of a reciprocating internal combustion LPG and natural gas engine/generator, an adsorption chiller and heat recovery devices. Evaluation and analysis of the system are discussed in detail. Economic evaluation shows that this MCCHP system enjoys good economic efficiency with a pay back period of 2.97 years at the current natural gas price. Comprehensive analysis indicates that the electricity output condition is very important for determining the electricity efficiency, available regulation area, primary energy ratio and exergy efficiency. For high efficiency and good regulation performance, it is advisable for the system to operate with electricity output greater than half load. From the exergetic point of view, the electricity efficiency of the gas engine/generator should be enhanced for an improved MCCHP system.