Operation of low voltage distribution networks with decentralised combined heat and power fuel cell systems for residential application

The future operation of public low voltage networks has to consider increased decentralised generation using combined heat and power fuel cell systems for residential application. The main concepts of the development are aimed at the satisfaction of the thermal and electrical energy demand of detached houses and multiple dwellings. On the basis of measurements of the thermal energy consumption for a detached house and for a multiple dwelling and the analysis and modelling of the low-voltage network for these residential areas electricity generation profiles have been generated. For different suggested operating modes of the fuel cell systems and for different shares of residential buildings being equipped load flow calculations have been carried out to quantify the impact on the operation of the low-voltage network. Especially the time-controlled and the remote controlled operation of the fuel cell systems lead to a considerable reduction of the medium-voltage/ low-voltage substation peak load, the transmitted energy and losses.