| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1733340 | Energy | 2012 | 8 Pages |
In this paper an integrated fuel cell/household model is developed in order to assess the capability of fuel cells to fulfil different tasks in the energy market. The dynamic properties of two stationary combined heat and power (CHP) fuel cell systems were determined experimentally and serve as a basis for the development of the model. Based on this model, the possible contributions of fuel cell systems to a decentralized supply structure are investigated. The results show that if more than 24 households with a fuel cell are interconnected, the fuel cells are able to cover 99.6% of the entire household electricity demand. Additionally, German wind energy feed-in compensation is modelled. Here the results show that the influence on the wind power feed-in is limited because only for a small number of days with wind power production above median level the virtual fuel cell power plant can compensate the wind power feed-in by reducing its output. Thirdly, the potential use of excess electrical capacity from larger fuel cell populations sold at an energy exchange is examined. Here the simulation results show that trading can generate contribution margins of between 140 and 200 Euros per year. Consequently, fuel cells could be significant at the energy exchange, if fuel cell investment costs decreased in the future.
► In this study we develop an integrated fuel cell/household model. ► We measured the dynamic properties of two stationary CHP fuel cell systems. ► If more than 24 households with fuel cells are interconnected, their entire electricity demand is covered by 99.6%. ► For a few days with medium level wind power feed-in the fuel cells can flatten feed-in profiles. ► Trading electricity at the energy exchange leads to contribution margins of between 140 and 200 Euros.
