An energy efficiency evaluation method of distributed CCHP system based on attribute theory for optimal investment strategy

As energy exhaustion and environmental pollution become more and more serious, energy efficiency assessment of energy systems plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and improving investment strategy. Considering the difference of the exported energy forms and energy level of distributed cooling, heating and power (CCHP) system, an improved energy efficiency evaluation index system is proposed in this paper, including primary energy ratio, energy saving rate, thermoelectric ratio, relative energy saving rate and exergy efficiency, which provides the critical indicators for the post-evaluation of distributed energy system (DES) project. Base on the attribute theory method, a comprehensive energy efficiency evaluation method of distributed CCHP system is presented, including single index attribute measure, index weight calculation and multi-attribute comprehensive evaluation. In case studies, the conventional index system and the improved index system are evaluated respectively, and the results show that the proposed index system can provide theoretical support for scientific and reasonable post-evaluation of DES project, and assist the investment strategy of distributed CCHP in the DES project. Copyright 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.