Experimental Characterization of a Small Cogeneration Plant at Full and Partial Loads

Abstract

This article presents the results of an experimental analysis performed on a small cogeneration plant equipped with a microturbine as a prime mover. The aim of the experimental campaign was to verify behavior and performances of the machine at both full and partial load. Attention was particularly paid to the energy saving indexes defined in the AEEG 42/02 Directive (Italian Authority for Electrical Energy and Gas) and in the more strict EU Directive 2004/8/EC. The results of the experimental campaign show that the cogeneration plant can easily exceed the minimum values of the energy saving index imposed by the current directives during operation at full load. On the contrary, very accurate design of the plant and prediction of the load profiles are required to get acceptable results if operation at partial load becomes necessary.