Experimental Development, Thermo-Fluid Dynamics Simulation and Energetic Analysis of a 15 kW Micro-CHP Plant

Cogeneration is commonly recognized as one of the most effective solutions to achieve the increasingly stringent reduction in primary energy consumption and greenhouse emissions. This characteristic led to the adoption of specific directives promoting this technique. In addition, a strategic role in power reliability is recognized to distributed generation. The study and prototyping of cogeneration plants, therefore, has involved many research centers. This paper deals with energetic aspects of CHP referring to the study of a 15 kW micro-CHP plant based on a GPL reciprocating engine designed, built and grid connected. The plant consists of a heat recovery system characterized by a single water circuit recovering heat from exhaust gases, from engine coolant and from the energy radiated by the engine within the shell hosting the plant. Some tests were carried out at whole open throttle and the experimental data were collected. However it was needed to perform a 1D thermo-fluid dynamics simulation of the engine to completely characterize the micro-CHP. As the heat actually recovered depends on the user's thermal load, particularly from the required temperature's level, a comparison of the results for six types of users were performed: residential, hospital, office, commercial, sports, hotel. Both Italian legislative indexes IRE and LT were evaluated, as defined by A.E.E.G resolution n. 42/02 and subsequent updates, as well as the plant’s total Primary Energy Saving. Keywords: Micro-CHP, Heat Recovery System, Primary Energy Saving (PES), Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine (RICE), 1D Thermo-Fluid Dynamics simulation