Impact of electric vehicle charging on the dynamic performance of a micro-trigeneration system for residential applications

The widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and electric heat pumps (EHPs) would result in radically different electric household demand characteristics, while also possibly posing a threat to the stability of the electrical grid. Micro-cogeneration (MCHP) is considered by the European Community as one of the most effective measures to save primary energy and reduce emissions. The utilization of EVs and EHPs could be a way to increase the use of co-generated electricity as well as boost MCHP profitability. MCHP systems can also help to reduce the potential negative effects on electric distribution networks. In this paper a micro-trigeneration system (composed of a 6.0 kWel cogeneration device feeding a 4.5 kWcool electric air-cooled water chiller) integrated with an Italian residential house is investigated by using the software TRNSYS in terms of (i) impact on the electric infrastructure and (ii) energy savings in comparison to conventional supply energy systems.