Optimization of combined cooling, heating, and power systems (CCHP) operational strategies for different climate conditions

This thesis investigates the different strategies of operation and optimization criteria that a CCHP system can be operated under. As energy concerns increase, a major issue for the United States will be the efficiency of energy production. Due to this desire for the most efficient supply of energy CCHP will play an increasingly important role in both domestic and commercial applications as waste heat utilization provides an added measure of efficiency. The different strategies of operation under which a CCHP system can be operated under, electric load following and thermal load following, are defined in addition to the different optimization criteria that a CCHP system can be operated under. The different strategies and optimization criteria of CCHP operation are simulated for five various climate regions in the United States and the results for primary energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and cost of operation are compared.