Demonstration of Demand Response with Fuel Cell Units in a Condominium

摘要

SUMM ARY: Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. initiated a demonstration that combined fuel cells with demand response in a residential setting at a time when considerable attention is being paid to demand response in Japan. It was the first test that combined demand response with fuel cell units. We constructed an integrated control system to manage fuel cell units and battery output and power supply to a condominium during demand response events. To maximize fuel cell unit efficiency, we captured and stored waste heat in an accumulator tank. This allowed exhaust heat to be recovered regardless of whether the fuel cell unit was generating power and helped fuel cell units operate during a demand response event without sacrificing energy efficiency. Demonstration test results show that our system can scale back supply during a demand response event. Fuel cell unit can support both energy conservation and contribute to the stability of the electric power system.