A measurement methodology for monitoring a CHCP pilot plant for an office building

In Mediterranean areas, climate conditions determine quite equal demand both for thermal and cooling energy. The possibility to convert a cooling demand in thermal one through an absorption chiller allows to extend widely the number of running hours of a cogeneration plant. A trigeneration pilot plant for two office building is described, in which an integrated lay-out includes a NG prime mover with heat exchanger, an absorption chiller and a reversible heat pump. The pilot plant is completed and pre-running test were performed. Different fluid dynamics parameters will be monitored, in order to build the actual cumulative curve for thermal power. The measurement methodology is also illustrated. Data obtained will help not only to choose a plant management criterium, but also to put into evidence relations between shapes of consumption curves and most suitable project variables, as to make this pilot plant a best experience for CHCP applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]