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Fuel Cells in micro-CHP Low Carbon Energy Generation
Alan Seviour Head of Renewable
Energy Division
Ace Energy Bath March 2014
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• Introduction to electricity led micro CHP • The challenges facing UK electricity market & decentralised electricity generation • Case study on installation & paybacks
Presentation:
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Types of fuel cell
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Solid Oxide Fuel Cell – Power Generation
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Fuel cell technology for stationary micro-CHP power generation § Products that deliver clean, controllable electricity on-site § Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology converts natural (grid) gas
into electricity and heat, without combustion or noise
SOFC technologies generate power on-site with the world’s highest electrical efficiency § More power from less fuel = Primary energy savings + CO2 savings § Generation of power close to where it is used § Electricity led Micro-CHP plus the aim recover as much heat as
possible as a by-product
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From centralised generation
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To controllable, high-efficiency Distributed Generation
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Customers worldwide in the last 21 years
USA
Netherlands
Switzerland Japan
Australia
United Kingdom
Italy
France
Germany
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The energy ‘trilemma’…
Appetite vs. emissions vs. affordability § Accommodate continual increase in appetite
for electricity – Electromobility – Electrification of heat – Consumer devices and ‘comfort creep’
§ But, with fewer emissions – Low carbon, zero carbon
§ While making it affordable – Large investment in Smart Grids and
Transmission & Distribution infrastructure
UK Electricity Market
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Factors behind the move from centralised to decentralised electricity production
• Aging grid with instability and connection limitations
• Inefficiencies of the grid in delivering power across the UK
• Unpopular reliance on the big power providers • Renewables like wind & solar are intermittent and require demand side management and/or energy storage
• Nuclear is expensive, slow to deliver capacity and controversial
• Energy is an increasing political issue
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Transformation of power generation portfolio
Growing the share of renewables
Enhancing building efficiency Strengthening of grids
Distributed generation allows stabilisation of local grids
SOFC have the highest electrical efficiency of any mCHP technology
Control via Internet allows building of virtual power plants
SOFCs can be operated with biomethane – today!
SOFC technology offers very significant efficiency gains in both existing buildings and new builds
Key features make fuel cells a viable solution for the energy supply of the future
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells address the main challenges of the energy providers
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The local Power-plant
Power:1.5 kWel / 0.6 kWth production: 8,000 h/a
Electrical efficiency: 60% Thermal efficiency up to 30%
Net Heat production approx: 4,800 kWhth/yr or. ~ 200 Litres Hot-water each day
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Input Natural or Bio-gas 24.000 kWh / year
2500 m3
Net Power production: 13,000 kWhel/year for direct use or grid feed-in
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Case study: new build “retrofit” Plant room installations § Installation is at the Madeley Centre, near Crewe § Installation includes a ground source heat pump and a large pre-heat
tank
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UK feed in tariff – over £2000 from April 2014
Generation Tariff: £0.129 per kWh for all power generated 13,000 kWh x £0.129/kWh = £1677 Feed in Tariff: £0.046 per kWh for power exported to grid (50% deemed export ) 6500 kWh x £0.046/kWh = £301
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Social Housing Tackling Fuel Poverty – 4.5m - 17% of homes in UK
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ESCOs
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Any further questions Thank you for listening
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