Natural gas fuel cell based power system for MUN engineering building

Tanni, Mahmuda Ahmed (2014) Natural gas fuel cell based power system for MUN engineering building. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

This research presents analysis and design of a natural gas fuel cell based power system for the engineering building of Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN). Introduction and literature review provide background on energy consumptions in buildings and modeling techniques of fuel cells. The main objective of this research is to develop a fuel cell based power system for MUN engineering building. In chapter three, energy consumption analysis for MUN engineering building is presented. Modeling of the building in BEopt (Building Energy Optimization) and HOT-2000 software is presented with a short description of MUN engineering building. These BEopt and HOT models show the actual energy consumption of the building. Then an improved model of this building is developed in BEopt software with a list of recommendations. This model shows less energy consumption than the actual building and also suggests a list of recommendations about how to reduce the energy consumption. The successful simulation of the improved model also shows the limitations of the existing design. A 440 kW natural gas fuel cell based power system is proposed for the improved model in chapter three. A 440 kW natural gas fuel cell based power system is developed in Matlab/Simulink software with its Power System Blocksets (PSB) from chapter four to six. In chapter four, modeling of fuel cell system is presented in Matlab/Simulink software. Three models are developed and the best model is chosen for further research. In chapter five, the best chosen Simulink model from chapter four is connected to the power electronics part with the help of Matlab/Simulink blocks and Power System Blocksets (PSB). In chapter six, the fuel cell system with its power electronics part is connected to the grid. A simple control mechanism is also developed to deliver the required power. Basically the required power indicates the power needed to meet the energy demand of MUN engineering building as indicated in the chapter three. Finally, this thesis ends with the successful modeling of natural gas fuel cell based power system for MUN engineering building.

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