Energy-Saving and CO2-Emissions-Reduction Potential of a Fuel Cell Cogeneration System for Condominiums Based on a Field Survey

Abstract

A residential cogeneration system (CGS) is highlighted because of its efficient energy usage on both the supplier and consumer sides. It generates electricity and heat simultaneously; however, there is insufficient information on the efficiency according to the condition of usage. In this study, we analysed the performance data measured by the home energy management system (HEMS) and the lifestyle data of residents in a condominium of 356 flats where fuel cell CGS was installed in each flat. The electricity generated by CGS contributed to an approximately 12% reduction in primary energy consumption and CO2 emission, and the rate of generation by the CGS in the electric power demand (i.e., contribution rate) was approximately 38%. The electricity generation was mainly affected by the use of electricity up to 4 MWh/household/year. Gas or water use also impacted electric power generation, with water use as the primary factor affecting the contribution rate. Electric power generation changes monthly, mainly based on the water temperature. From these results, we confirmed that a CGS has substantial potential to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emission in condominiums. Thus, it is recommended for installation of fuel cell CGS in existing and new buildings to contribute to the energy-saving target of the Japanese Government in the residential sector.

Modeling CO2 Emission in Residential Sector of Three Countries in Southeast of Asia by Applying Intelligent Techniques

“…The R 2 value is one of the main criteria used for the assessment of model exactness, and a closer value to 1 indicates higher accuracy. R 2 Besides R 2 , there are some other criteria for the assessment of the model and its performance. In this regard, Relative Deviation (RD) is applied as another criterion.…”

“…Fossil fuel consumption is the key factor of greenhouse gases emission in different sectors, including transportation, residential, industrial etc. In order to decrease the emission of these gases and their unfavorable consequences, different solutions such as decreasing energy consumption, using clean energy sources, and applying carbon capture technologies have been proposed [1][2][3]. According to data presented by International Energy Agency (IEA) [4], the industry and transport sectors are responsible for the highest total final consumption (TFC) and are followed by the residential sector, as shown in Fig.…”

Field Study on Energy-Saving Behaviour and Patterns of Air-Conditioning Use in a Condominium

“…It is an 18-storey building with 356 flats that are all facing the south side. There are two types of floor plans: three bedrooms with a living-dining room and kitchen (3LDK: 71.0-77.1 m 2 ), 272 flats; and four bedrooms with a living-dining room and kitchen (4LDK: 80.9-90.2 m 2 ), 84 flats (Figure 1a) [53][54][55][56][57]. The U value of the investigated building envelope is 0.69W/m 2 K, and the building is certified as a 'low-carbon building'.…”

“…Gas was based on data from Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. [59]. We conducted a questionnaire survey among residents three times between February 2015 and November 2016 [57]. In this study, we analysed 162 responses that corresponded to 52% of the HEMS data that we analysed.…”

Enhanced SOFC Cathode Performance Through Surface Modification of NdBa0.5Sr0.5Co2O5+δ Nanoparticles

“…By using the H2 generated by this process, FC vehicles (FCVs) can reduce CO2 emissions in this sector to 80% compared to traditional vehicles [2]. In a global effort to overcome the dangers of climate change, cogeneration systems, especially fuel cells, are becoming massive due to their excellent energy efficiency [3].…”