Design of fuel-cell micro-cogeneration systems through modeling and optimization

Micro-cogeneration is a promising technology that has the potential to lower energy costs and CO2 emissions in the residential housing sector. Among the different micro-cogeneration technologies, fuel cells offer the potential benefits of the highest electrical efficiency, lowest emissions, and a heat-to-power ratio that is well suited for residential applications. The design of fuel-cell micro-cogeneration systems involves decision making in which trade-offs are made between conflicting objectives. This paper illustrates the use of modeling and optimization in informing system design by generating different design alternatives that contain these trade-offs, thus allowing the design engineers to make decisions in a quantitative and rational way.