Performance analysis, model development and validation with experimental data of an ICE-based micro-CCHP system

Abstract The ICE technology applied to micro-CHP is a mature technology, with certain equipment established in the market. The integration of chillers in micro-cogeneration systems can be used to develop micro-CCHP systems with high overall efficiencies and high potential for integration in buildings. Studies of the behavior of these machines are necessary to develop models that simulate the micro-CCHP system under different weather conditions in different building configurations. This paper presents a micro-CCHP with heat recovery based on a Honda gas engine. The system incorporates a heat pump to meet the need for air conditioning. To analyze the behavior of the tri-generation system and its capabilities, a fully functional prototype is built and tested in the laboratory under different operating modes. The obtained results from the experimental data reveal that the maximum electrical efficiency is 7.63% and it is obtained when the heat pump is off and engine is operating at low speed. The higher performance of the gas engine driven heat pump is 10.79% and it is achieved when the engine is running at high speed. A model of the system is developed using TRNSYS software components and validated using the experimental data obtained during testing of various operating modes. The main contribution of this paper is focused on the applied methodology of tests, model, and validation through simulation. The proposed methodology includes experimental validation of the CCHP model using the TRNSYS energy simulation software. The features of this model make it appropriate for use as a stand-alone system in building simulations to produce electricity, DWH, heating and cooling.