Implementation and validation of combustion engine microcogeneration routine for the simulation program IDA-ICE

Combined generation of thermal and electrical energy in units with electrical power less than 10 kW provides an attractive option for the energy supply of residential buildings due to their potential to high overall efficiency and thus capability of reducing emissions. Dynamic simulations of such systems are required to performance assessments that aim at finding the most energy efficient system topologies. This paper presents the implementation of a  combustion engine-based micro-cogeneration routine into IDA-ICE, which is a widely used building simulation program in the Nordic Countries. The routine utilizes specifications defined in the IEA  Annex 42 and the implementation is validated by way of inter-program testing.