System Integration of Distributed Power for Complete Building Systems: Phase 2 Report

Abstract

Distributed energy resources hold great potential for meeting future energy needs. This is especially true when aspects of sustainable development and environmental compatibility are considered. Currently there are many distributed generation (DG) sources in operation, primarily for standby or emergency purposes. DG devices tend to have higher proportionate capital costs and lower efficiencies when compared to central stations for the production of electricity. However, when operated in an optimized combined heat and power (CHP) mode these devices provide many operational and economic advantages over conventional energy supply options. This paper describes CHP applications at two commercial buildings and NiSource Energy Technologies, Inc. efforts to optimize the system operation and maximize the benefits of DG through advanced control systems incorporating artificial intelligence.