A model for the optimal management of a CCHP plant

Distributed Generation can give a relevant contribution to the reduction of the primary energy needs and consequently of the green-house gases emissions. Moreover, it can stimulate the diffusion of renewable energy exploitation technologies through integration. This is widely relevant for the household sector, where energy is required in several forms: electric, heating, cooling. In this paper an energy system optimization model is proposed. The model optimizes the components size and their operating conditions during the day. The energy system is composed of a combined cooling, heating and power system, based on an internal combustion engine and an absorption heat pump integrated with solar thermal and photovoltaic systems. The model minimizes the costs and/or the CO2 emissions and the results reveal that the engine variable operating conditions are more effective than the steady state.