Abstract
Because of their potentials for cost and energy savings by efficient utilization of exhaust heat, cogeneration systems have been installed into industrial and commercial sectors. The overall performance of cogeneration systems is evaluated from economic, energy saving, and environmental viewpoints, and is affected by many factors. In this paper, an optimization approach to design and operation of cogeneration systems in consideration of the factors is presented. As an example, the trade-off relationship between economic and energy saving characteristics is analyzed on a phosphoric acid fuel cell cogeneration system.
