Selection of prime mover for combined cooling, heating, and power systems based on energy savings, life cycle analysis and environmental consideration

•Hybrid load following strategy is proposed to select a prime mover (PM) for CCHP.•PM used for the analysis is reciprocating ICE, micro-turbine and fuel cell.•PM selection is determined by evaluating economic, energy and emissions savings.•Results show that ICE and micro-turbine in CCHP system would incur economic benefit.•Results also show that all types of PM reduce energy consumption and emissions.

Selection of prime mover type was investigated for use in combined cooling, heat and power systems. Selection was determined from comparison of performance criteria for economic, energy and emissions savings. Simulations were run for three different types of prime movers in one climate zone and compared to a reference case with a typical separate heating and power system in the same climate zone. A hybrid load following method was implemented, with a suggested improvement. Performance parameters were compared and results indicated emissions and energy savings for all three prime movers. The prime mover types were reciprocating internal combustion engine (ICE), micro-turbine and phosphoric acid fuel cell. The climate zone was chosen to be a cold, humid climate represented by Chicago, IL. Economic savings were seen for both the ICE and micro-turbines. Emissions savings for carbon, nitrogen-oxides and methane, for all three types, were greater than 9%, 12%, and 13%, respectively. Primary energy consumption savings for all three were greater than 8%.