This study presents a simulation and cost analysis of a distributed energy system for a typical Southern California residential home. A method of simulating a residentially distributed energy system comprised of a fuel cell, a battery, and photovoltaics has been developed. The simulation was performed by developing solar insolation profiles and diurnal demand profiles from energy statistics, and then using them to determine the performance of the system components and estimate the annual operational costs. The results of this simulation were then used to assess the cost effectiveness of the energy system as household size and system component capacities were varied. The simulation results show that the increasing of the photovoltaic capacity has a significant impact on reducing the payback time as higher capacities reduce operation costs by allowing for more electricity to be sold back to the grid. The results payback period decreases as the number of members in a household increases. However, it is found that variation in the capacity of the battery does not have a significant impact on payback time and tends to reduce system performance or adds unnecessary cost if capacity increases or decreases from an optimal value. The present work plays an important role not only for policy makers and utility companies to promote the renewable energy usage, but also for residents to understand the benefits of distributed energy system in residential applications.
Skip Nav Destination
ASME 2017 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition
November 3–9, 2017
Tampa, Florida, USA
Conference Sponsors:
- ASME
ISBN:
978-0-7918-5841-7
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Analysis of Distributed Energy System for a Typical SoCal Residential Home
Hong Xue,
Hong Xue
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA
Search for other works by this author on:
Nathan Locke,
Nathan Locke
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA
Search for other works by this author on:
Scott Radel
Scott Radel
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA
Search for other works by this author on:
Hong Xue
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA
Nathan Locke
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA
Scott Radel
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA
Paper No:
IMECE2017-71149, V006T08A041; 9 pages
Published Online:
January 10, 2018
Citation
Xue, H, Locke, N, & Radel, S. "Analysis of Distributed Energy System for a Typical SoCal Residential Home." Proceedings of the ASME 2017 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition. Volume 6: Energy. Tampa, Florida, USA. November 3–9, 2017. V006T08A041. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/IMECE2017-71149
Download citation file:
16
Views
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Articles
Comparative Performance and Model Agreement of Three Common Photovoltaic Array Configurations
J. Sol. Energy Eng (February,2018)
A Novel Heatsink for Optimizing Photovoltaic Cell Performance with Passive Cooling Using Perforated Wave-Shaped Fins
J. Sol. Energy Eng (January,0001)
Soiling Loss Rate Measurements of Photovoltaic Modules in a Hot and Humid Desert Environment
J. Sol. Energy Eng (June,2021)
Related Chapters
Integration of Solar Energy Systems
Handbook of Integrated and Sustainable Buildings Equipment and Systems, Volume I: Energy Systems
Risk Mitigation for Renewable and Deispersed Generation by the Harmonized Grouping (PSAM-0310)
Proceedings of the Eighth International Conference on Probabilistic Safety Assessment & Management (PSAM)
Hydro Tasmania — King Island Case Study
Energy and Power Generation Handbook: Established and Emerging Technologies