Partitioning of MCHP‐TES system run time to incorporate transient system behaviour: a comprehensive exergy‐based analysis using simulation

By combining heat and power generation, mini‐combined and micro‐combined heat and power systems (MCHP) provide an efficient, decentralised means of power generation that can complement the composition of the electricity generation mix. Dynamic tools capable of handling transient system behaviour are required to assess MCHP efficiency beyond a mere static analysis based on steady‐state design parameters. Using a simulation of a cogeneration system, we combine exergetic definitions for different operational system states to quantify the overall system efficiency continuously over the whole period of operation. The concept of exergy allows direct comparison of different forms of energy. A sensitivity analysis was performed where we quantified the effect on MCHP overall performance under varying engine rotational speed, thermal energy storage size and fluid storage temperature in a range of MCHP simulations. We found that the exergetic quantity of natural gas used by the MCHP decreased slightly at higher engine speeds (?2% to ?4%). While the total amount of electricity generated is almost constant across the range of different engine output, more thermal exergy (up to +21%) can be recovered when the engine is operating at elevated speeds. Furthermore, selection of specific optimal thermal storage fluid temperatures can aid in improving system efficiency. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.