The feasibility of internal combustion engine based cogeneration in residential applications

The objectives of this work are to model a group of test case houses using a high-resolution building simulation program, to evaluate the efficiency of internal combustion engine (ICE) based cogeneration and to determine the economical (in terms of fuel cost) and environmental impacts of using ICE based cogeneration systems for residential use.;The performance in terms of electrical and CHP efficiencies of the ICE based cogeneration systems in Canada were investigated and it was determined that the performance of the ICE based cogeneration system is dependent on the thermal and electrical loads of the house, on climate, especially the severity and duration of the heating season, and on the constructional characteristics of the house.;The economic viability in terms of fuel costs of the ICE based cogeneration system was investigated using both flat rate and time-of-use electricity pricing. It was determined that the economic viability of the ICE based residential cogeneration is dependent on the provincial fuel and electricity prices. In provinces with relatively low fuel prices and relatively high electricity prices (e.g. Saskatchewan) using the 1.0 kW ICE based cogeneration system resulted in an increase (<15%) in fuel costs in all of the test case houses. In provinces with relatively high fuel prices and low electricity prices (e.g. Quebec), the fuel cost using the ICE based cogeneration system was considerably higher (>90%) compared to the base case.;The potential reduction of GHG emissions using the ICE based cogeneration system was investigated. A GHG emissions analysis was performed on each of the test case house models for the base case scenario and the cogeneration cases. The total GHG emissions for each of the cogeneration system configurations were calculated and compared the emissions profile for the base case scenario. It was determined that the GHG reduction potential was dependent on the provincial electricity emissions factor. In provinces where the electricity generation mix is such that the emissions factor is high, (>750 gCO2eq/kWh), using the ICE based cogeneration system resulted in a reduction of GHGs.;Fifty-seven independent houses models were created using the high-resolution building simulation software, ESP-r and were simulated using conventional space and domestic hot water heating equipment. The results of these base case simulations were used as the basis of comparison for the ICE based cogeneration simulations. A sensitivity analysis was performed on the ICE based cogeneration model, simulating a 1.0 kW and 2.0 kW ICE system with a 300 litre and 450 litre tank in all of the test case house models.;The annual simulation results were extrapolated to comment on the GHG reductions and associated increase in fuel costs at a regional and national level using ICE based cogeneration. At a national level, there is a potential for between 1900 kt - 5200 kt of GHG reductions using ICE based cogeneration in residential applications costing between 420 CAD to 515 CAD in increased fuel costs per tonne of GHG reductions.