Environmental impacts of microgeneration: Integrating solar PV, Stirling engine CHP and battery storage

摘要: Abstract A rapid increase in household solar PV uptake has caused concerns regarding intermittent exports of electricity to the grid and related balancing problems. microgeneration system combining PV, combined heat power plant (CHP) battery storage could potentially mitigate these problems whilst improving energy self-sufficiency. This research examines if this also lead lower environmental impacts compared conventional supply heat. Life cycle assessment been carried out for purposes simulating daily seasonal demand different types. The results suggest that are reduced by 35–100% from gas boilers. exception is depletion elements which 42 times higher owing antimony used manufacture. There a large variation with demand, consumption resulting far greater reduction supply. CHP inefficiency user maloperation can decrease benefits significantly; example, global warming potential increases 17%. highlights need consumer information training ensure maximum microgeneration. Appropriate sizing essential 10–20 kWh batteries providing greatest benefits. However, any heavily dependent on assumptions credits export grid. Effective management operation required maximise lifetime: 10 five years 45% acidification 32%. Increasing recycling metals 0% 100% reduces 46% 179%. If 90% recycled, three use virgin antimony. impact still 12 than other system.