Studies on energy networks of electricity, heat and hydrogen for residential dwellings equipped fuel cells

Introduction of fuel cells into residential dwellings would be a realistic option of near future in present state in Japan. Research and development on polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) for residential use is at the final stage toward commercial market launch. This paper presents the concept of interconnection of residential dwellings with energy networks, and experimental systems and PC simulators for evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of the networks. The dwellings can share their energy equipment virtually by the networks. It provides flexible and efficient operation of the equipment, and reduces partial load operation and start-stop operation which damage the efficiency or the life time of fuel processors. Authors construct experimental systems and PC simulators to evaluate the networks. The experimental systems consist of fuel cells, electronic load devices and instrument control systems. The data which is obtained by the experimentation is provided to the PC simulators. The simulators demonstrate the more complicated analyses beyond the experimental systems, as the simulators are easily expandable. Combining the experimental systems and the simulators would provide more valuable intelligence.