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PhD Thesis - Energy Systems Research Unit - University of Strathclyde

PhD Thesis - Energy Systems Research Unit - University of Strathclyde

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the amount <strong>of</strong> usable heat that is generated in comparison to the electricity<br />

output, and can vary between 1 and 5 times the electricity output, depending on<br />

the type <strong>of</strong> plant being considered. In a system using CHP, it is important to get<br />

the balance between heat and electricity demand as close to the heat to<br />

electricity ratio as possible to avoid wastage. This may be achieved by using<br />

intermittent supplies to meet some <strong>of</strong> the electricity demand, by using heat and<br />

electricity storage, and/or by using supplementary electrical heating. This<br />

optimum balance can be difficult to find, especially where there is a large<br />

seasonal variation in heat demand.<br />

Where technologies that are best run continuously (e.g. nuclear power stations<br />

or slow response energy limited plant), or supplies with predictable but<br />

intermittent outputs (e.g. tidal barrages) are run, the same problem <strong>of</strong> excess<br />

electricity occurs at times <strong>of</strong> low demand. If CHP is being considered, there is<br />

also the problem <strong>of</strong> excess heat. Again, suitable use should be made <strong>of</strong> these<br />

excesses, and this may be achieved using the various methods described<br />

previously.<br />

These examples highlight the complex nature <strong>of</strong> sustainable energy supply<br />

systems, especially when considering the total energy needs <strong>of</strong> an area and the<br />

use <strong>of</strong> intermittent sources <strong>of</strong> electricity. The integration and control strategies<br />

for all <strong>of</strong> these components must be carefully considered and implemented, and<br />

this complexity has been seen as a barrier to renewable energy system<br />

deployment. There are many possible supply combinations that can be<br />

employed, and the optimum combination for a given area depends on many<br />

factors. The balances being considered can be complex, and this highlights the<br />

need for a decision support framework through which the relative merits <strong>of</strong><br />

many different scenarios and control strategies for a chosen area can be quickly<br />

and easily analysed.<br />

This chapter describes the technologies currently available to enable the<br />

realisation <strong>of</strong> the systems described above. Alternative transportation fuels and<br />

vehicles, and alternatively fuelled technologies for CHP generation are<br />

discussed. The production and storage <strong>of</strong> heat, and other uses for excess<br />

31

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