Examination of the optimal operation of building scale combined heat and power systems under disparate climate and GHG emissions rates

The analysis finds that PA fuel cells achieve the highest GHG emission reductions in most cases considered, though there are exceptions. Common heuristics, such as electric load following and thermal load following, are the optimal operating strategy under specific conditions. The optimal CHP capacity and operating hours both vary as a function of building type, climate and GHG emissions rates from grid electricity. GHG emissions reductions can be as high as 49% considering a PA fuel cell for a prototypical hospital in Boulder, Colorado however, the “CHP attributable reductions are less than 10%.