High Temperature Fuel Cell: Combined Heat and Power Applications for Laboratory Buildings

S. Faruq Ahmed, PE and P. Richard Rittelmann, FAIA, Burt Hill Kosar Rittelmann Associates

Objectives:

This presentation is a follow-up to our presentation at the Labs21 2002 Conference titled "Integrated Laboratory Energy Systems: Emerging Methods for Matching Distributed Generation Systems with Building Thermal Systems."

The 2002 presentation evaluated the microturbines and fuel cells as distributed generation (DG) systems and integrated the power and thermal energy with laboratory combined heat power (CHP) application. The proposed presentation will evaluate pressurized Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) with Gas Turbine combination and evaluate its effectiveness for laboratory CHP applications. The use of desiccant cooling technology will be examined with fuel cell DG system.

Findings:

SOFC fuel cells provide reject heat at 850 deg C. It is prudent to use this heat in a cascade manner to ensure that the correct "potential" of the heat is being utilized. The first stage of heat recovery from the exhaust is recuperating heat for heating the air out of the compressor before sending it to the fuel cell. This lowers the fuel use in the fuel cell. The next step is to recover the heat for use with the regeneration of the desiccant cooling system (typically 170 deg C). The last step is to recover heat for heating water. The performance of the compressor and turbine system is dependent on the ambient temperature. In a fuel cell gas turbine hybrid system the performance of the turbine is not affected by the ambient temperature but the compressor performance is.

The presentation will provide the results of the simulation of SOFC fuel cell with gas turbine coupled to a desiccant cooling system for laboratory CHP applications. This information will be presented for ten different climate types throughout the country. The presentation will provide detailed information about the above CHP system, the comparison of annual operating cost with conventional laboratory systems and the environmental benefits of the proposed technology as applied to laboratory buildings.

The scope of the presentation fits well with DG and CHP applications which are the important aspects of the U.S. National Energy Policy, 2000.

Presently we are designing a 210,000 square-foot research laboratory building where micro turbine DG system along with desiccant CHP cooling system will be used. Salient features of this application will also be presented.

Labs21 Connection:

The proposed presentation will reflect the following aspects of the Labs21 Approach:

1. On-site power generation, combined heat and power technologies, and renewable power purchases.
2. Assess opportunities for whole building approach.
3. Adopt energy and environmental performance goals.
4. Broad range of sustainable energy and water efficiency strategies.

Biographies:

S. Faruq Ahmed, PE, is a Principal with the Architecture, Engineering, Interiors, and Applied Research firm, Burt Hill Kosar Rittelmann Associates in Butler, Pennsylvania. Faruq is a registered professional engineer with over 35 years of engineering experience. He holds Masters degree in Engineering from Colorado State University. His involvement in various engineering disciplines include, alternative energy systems including power generation technologies, information systems technology, communications systems, solar and renewable energy systems, energy conservation, and electric power quality and reliability. He is an active participant in various forums for Research Applied to Buildings and Systems. Faruq is the organization representative for the EPA Cooling Heating and Power (CHP) Partnership and for EDUCAUSE - the organization of technology professionals for higher education institutions. He is a frequent speaker at various conferences such as EPA Labs for the 21st Century, ERAPPA, KAPPA, APPA, Tradelines, , EDUCAUSE, SCUP, CIC, and many others. Faruq has presented at the last two Lab21 Conferences.

P. Richard Rittelmann, FAIA, is the Vice-Chairman of Burt Hill Kosar Rittelmann Associates, an Architecture, Engineering, Interiors, and Applied Research Firm in Butler, Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Dick is a Fellow of American Institute of Architects. His involvement with Power System using Alternative Energy systems, dates back to 1970's. During that time he was actively involved with various DOE activities for Large -Scale PV Systems and other Solar Energy projects. He has participated in the International Energy Agency (IEA) activities as U. S. representative for several tasks. He also participates on the Research Advisory Boards for many National Labs which include Lawrence Berkeley Labs, and Oakridge National Lab. Dick is a highly sought speaker by various professional organizations such as Labs for the 21st Century, Tradelines, AIA, ASHRAE, CIC, EPA, EDUCAUSE, APPA, ERAPPA, SCUP, AEC Systems, various Hospital Technology organizations etc. He has been involved in presenting papers and seminars for over 40 years. His expertise in addition to Distributed Energy Resources, includes Information Systems, High Technology Medical Systems, Research Labs and Communication Facilities. Dick has presented at the last three Labs21 Conferences.