Methodology for energy loads assessment and CHCP system application for a commercial complex

In this paper, a methodology has been described for the estimation of energy loads and application of a Combined Heat, Cooling and Power (CHCP) system for energy supply in a large shopping complex. For carrying out the evaluation, a commercial complex project (effective volume of 800.000 m3) has been chosen as a case study. In general, this kind of construction is characterized by high energy consumption and could be the best application for distributed energy generation systems. In the first part of the work during pre-design phase, a detailed analysis has been carried out to determine the energy load curves for cooling, heating, domestic hot water (DHW), lighting and other end uses (food refrigeration, cooking, etc.). Based on available statistics and simulation methods, these curves are generated by analyzing both the yearly trends and the daily average load curves. Further, an overview has been presented on different building envelope technologies and configurations. Subsequently, for predicting the heating and cooling peak power profiles corresponding to three hypotheses (Base Case, Good Practice, Best Practice), a comprehensive analysis has been carried out by dynamic computer simulations. Electrical load curves for lighting, elevators, cooking appliances and electronics have been obtained assuming different operating profiles (Always ON, Load Following, Scheduled) for each category (restaurants, offices, supermarkets, shops, cinemas, etc.) according to working periods, power densities and occupancy rates. Based on detailed analysis of load curves, the suitability of a CHCP system as an efficient energy supply system has also been discussed. The methodology developed in this work allows to carry out a comprehensive and detailed energy loads assessment for commercial complexes, and to determine the best solution for efficient energy supply in a pre-design phase.