Technical and Economic Assessment of a Cogeneration System in an Urban Academic Building.

摘要

technical and economic assessment of a small scale cogeneration system in an urban academic building is conducted. The methodology and mathematical simulation developed critically assesses Cooper Union's 2501 kW cogeneration plant at 41 Cooper Square. First, the existing cogeneration plant and its interaction with the building systems are described. Next, utility cost savings are calculated based on estimates of seasonal cogeneration electrical and thermal output. While the cogeneration system yields positive economic returns by shifting utility consumption from electricity to inherently cheaper natural gas, the study reveals four specific system limitations that prevent the system from reaching its full savings potential. A mathematical model of the cogeneration system at part-load and electrical and thermal demand profiles specific to 41 Cooper Square are developed to perform a more detailed economic analysis. Simulations reveal that the cogeneration system in its current configuration reduces annual utility expenses by