Optimal combined heat and power integration of a micro gas turbine unit in distributed energy generation

This work considers the optimal combined heat and power (CHP) integration of a micro gas turbine unit in a distributed energy power grid. A detailed thermodynamic cycle analysis is conducted on a representative micro-gas turbine unit with non-constant component efficiencies and recuperator bypass. This model is used to develop an accurate optimization model for solving the economic dispatch problem of integrating the turbine into the grid. The financial benefit and viability of this approach is then examined on a detailed case study using real data on energy demand profiles and electricity tariffs. The optimal schedule follows four fundamental operational modes which are electricity, heat, revenue, and maintenance-cost driven.