Integration of Microgeneration and Related Technologies in Building Final Report of Annex 54

Micro‐generation is a novel method for producing heat and power on site and near the enduserwith high reliability, efficiency, and security of energy supply. The variety of microgenerationtechnology choices and applications is strongly dependent on a building’s electricand thermal load profiles. Building integration of micro‐generation systems is challengingbecause the loads are small and stochastic in nature, and the diversity is high. Given therapidly increasing numbers of micro‐cogeneration installations around the world, there is apressing need for knowledge to enable informed choices to be made on where and whenthe installation of micro‐cogeneration systems is appropriate. To properly integrate thesesystems in buildings, a significant number of operational and design issues must beinvestigated and resolved.This report contains the research findings of Annex 54 of the International Energy Agency’sEnergy in Building and Communities Programme (IEA EBC), which was established in 2009 tofurther develop simulation models and performance assessment techniques affecting theintegration and future penetration of micro‐generation systems in buildings. The Annex 54research encompasses the broad range of end‐uses of micro‐generation and the systemswithin it that might be deployed. The work reflects the state‐of‐the‐art and futureperformance in micro‐generation, including integration with energy storage and demandsidemanagement technologies (e.g. responsive loads or dynamic demand control), virtualutility, and smart energy networks. Finally, given the ubiquitous nature of this technologyand its broad societal impact, the research results are accessible to a broad audienceincluding engineers, policy makers, and businesses.Annex 54 successfully developed models of micro‐generation units and system components,and implemented them into performance simulation platforms for state of the art buildings.A huge amount of country‐specific data has been collected from laboratory and field testing,and has been used to determine demand‐side profiles and to gain knowledge on microgenerationsystem integration and performance under variety of real life operatingconditions.The country‐specific synthesis analysis performed by Annex 54 revealed genericperformance trends and “rules of thumb” for the appropriate deployment of microgenerationtechnologies. The developed assessment methodology established commonreference points for performance comparison, assessment methodology, and metrics, as well as for the identification of generic not country‐specific factors affecting the viability ofmicro‐generation systems and their appropriate deployment in buildings and communities.A selection of the range of support mechanisms to incentivize the adoption of microgenerationtechnology has been analysed. It is recognized that the supporting schemes canchange quickly and, as such, the country‐specific incentives and grants have been examinedover the life time of the Annex. As such, the report provides a snapshot of feed‐in tariffs,grants, building regulations, and the role of micro‐generation and associated technologies insmarter energy systems.