A test facility for distributed cogeneration: experiences on a microturbine and chiller based plant

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A test facility for distributed cogeneration
experiences on a microturbineand chiller based
plant

• S. Banetta, S. Barsali
• University of Pisa, Italy
• Department of Electrical Systems and Automation

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The cogeneration plant

• 45kW Microturbine
• 170kW absorption chiller/heater
• 330kW cooling tower
• Thermal (200kW) and electrical (50kW) load
  simulators
• Direct chiller connection to turbine exhaust

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The cogeneration plant
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The cogeneration plant
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Plant scheme and monitoring
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Operation tests

• Cooling mode

• Heating mode

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Power balance

• Cooling mode

• Heating mode

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Interface response 1

• Load step

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Interface response 2
Loss of mains
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Interface response 3

• Automatic reclosure

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Remarks

• Low turboalternator efficiency, high losses
• High temperatures mean high thermal losses
• Fast interface response
• High sensitivity to grid disturbances
• Large impact of permitting procedure
• High cost of measuring and monitoring system

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Future activity

• Set up of exhaust heat insulation
• Set up of a remote unit control system
• Development and testing of a biomass fired
  Stirling engine