Economic feasibility investigation of a 5kW residential fuel cell system

Carolyn L. Cooper, George G. Karady

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

The objective of this project was to develop a novel computer based program and prediction method to evaluate the economic feasibility of a 5kW natural gas residential fuel cell (FC). One year's worth of data was collected, analyzed, and projected over a twenty-year project lifespan for the purposes of determining the feasibility of the 5kW unit. The motivation for this feasibility study came from a large number of inquiries made by Salt River Project (SRP) customers in Phoenix, AZ. An investigation was by Arizona State University (ASU) to determine what factors would have to change so the average home owner could afford to purchase a similar unit. The results indicate that the FC purchase cost and FC system efficiency are the most sensitive parameters. Such a unit today is unfeasible to purchase. It is hypothesized that a FC purchase price of $40,000 with a system efficiency of 40 percent will allow for residential market entry.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2005 IEEE Power Engineering Society General Meeting
Pages2124-2129
Number of pages6
StatePublished - Oct 31 2005
Event2005 IEEE Power Engineering Society General Meeting - San Francisco, CA, United States
Duration: Jun 12 2005Jun 16 2005

Publication series

Name2005 IEEE Power Engineering Society General Meeting
Volume3

Other

Other2005 IEEE Power Engineering Society General Meeting
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco, CA
Period6/12/056/16/05

Keywords

  • Distributive generation
  • Economic feasibility
  • Fuel cell
  • Green energy
  • Renewable energy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Economic feasibility investigation of a 5kW residential fuel cell system'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this