Worldwilde Uses of CHP Systems Identification and an Economic Viability Study of the Installations of CHP Systems in a Brazilian Hospital

Abstract

This paper aims to identify successful cases where Fuel Cell Combined Heat and Power systems (CHP) are used around the world and verify the economic viability of the installation of fuel cell systems for cogeneration in the hospital Polydoro Ernani de São Tiago, located in Florianopolis, Brazil. It was found that large cogeneration systems are indeed existent besides of the use of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFC) for domestic applications. Japan is an example where CHP are largely used, however in Brazil, where the hydraulic energy is abundant; FC is yet to be more present in the energy generation scenario even though its efficiency is improved when the generation of heat and electricity are combined. A research to find out the electrical and thermal needs of the hospital unit was carried out. In order to supply the unit's needs, three fuel cell systems were analyzed, and the energy generated by three hypothetical systems were priced considering the capital investment in each of these systems as well as its operating costs, based only on their fuel demand. The cost per kWh obtained from each of the three proposed systems was compared with the kWh currently paid by the hospital to the distributor. From this comparison it was found that fuel cell systems are becoming increasingly competitive mainly due to the increase in the cost of energy supplied by the distributor. 