Achieving the reductions in carbon dioxide emissions which are necessary will require improvements in the way in which domestic space heating is supplied. Air Source Heat Pumps and micro-Combined Heat and Power units both have the potential to reduce emissions while using primary energy resources more efficiently. The performance which these technologies can achieve is fundamental to fulfilling this potential and yet it is still subject to some uncertainty. This thesis analyses the performance of Air Source Heat Pumps and micro-Combined Heat and Power units in terms of their energy and exergy requirements and in terms of the carbon dioxide emissions associated with their operation. A review of the literature identified that it was appropriate to develop a novel modelling approach. Models of many components currently exist and these are adopted and extended wherever possible within this modelling approach. However, it is the unique way in which this research combines these models and adds additional components which delivers performance data relating to a wider range of conditions at a greater level of detail than that which was previously available. The model which was developed can dynamically simulate the heating and power demands in many dwellings simultaneously, facilitating meaningful study of effects which are dependent upon the sum of their power flows. Consideration of the effect of operating conditions includes permutations of climate, control systems (including those which engage with demand side management), grid generation mixes and building properties. Efficient Air Source Heat Pumps units have the potential to make energy and carbon emissions savings at present but their performance is sensitive to the conditions studied. In particular, appropriate control of the units can yield energy savings of around 25%. Additionally, the carbon emissions intensity of the grid is an important consideration which is explored in depth. Currently, energy requirements and carbon emissions can be reduced by the use of micro-Combined Heat and Power units. Their potential to further reduce carbon emissions diminishes if the grid is predominantly decarbonised but units with high electrical efficiencies can still save energy. The effect of the control approach which is adopted is also significant and has different effects on fuel-cell based units compared to combustion-based units. The key contribution of this work is the analysis of performance data for a selection of units operating under a range of conditions, calculated with a consistent, accurate methodology. Comparison is made between the technologies and between the effects of different operating conditions. A second significant contribution of this work is the development of the model which was used to generate the performance results. These advances allow more detailed comparative analysis of performance data in a wider range of conditions than previously possible.

The main outcome of this research is the development of a Probabilistic Impact Assessment methodology to comprehensively understand the effects of low carbon technologies (LCTs) in low voltage (LV) distribution networks and the potential solutions available to increase their adoption. The adoption of LCTs by domestic customers is an alternative to decreasing carbon emissions. Given that these customers are connected to LV distribution networks, these assets are likely to face the first impacts of LCTs. Thus, to quantify these problems a Monte Carlo-based Probabilistic Impact Assessment methodology is proposed in this Thesis. This methodology embeds the uncertainties related to four LCTs (PV, EHPs, µCHP and EVs). Penetration levels as a percentage of houses with a particular LCT, ranging from 0 to 100% in steps of 10%, are investigated. Five minute time-series profiles and three-phase four-wire LV networks are adopted. Performance metrics related to voltage and congestion are computed for each of the 100 simulations per penetration level. Given the probabilistic nature of the approach, results can be used by decision makers to determine the occurrence of problems according to an acceptable probability of technical issues. To implement the proposed methodology, electrical models of real LV networks and high resolution profiles for loads and LCTs are also developed. Due to the historic passive nature of LV circuits, many Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) have no model for them. In most cases, the information is limited to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) typically produced for asset management purposes and sometimes with connectivity issues. Hence, this Thesis develops a methodology to transform GIS data into suitable computer-based models. In addition, thousands of residential load, PV, µCHP, EHP and EV profiles are created. These daily profiles have a resolution of five minutes. To understand the average behaviour of LCTs and their relationship with load profiles, the average peak demand is calculated for different numbers of loads with and without each LCT.The Probabilistic Impact Assessment methodology is applied over 25 UK LV networks (i.e., 128 feeders) for the four LCTs under analysis. Findings show that about half of the studied feeders are capable of having 100% of the houses with a given LCT. A regression analysis is carried out per LCT, to identify the relationships between the first occurrence of problems and key feeder parameters (length, number of customers, etc.). These results can be translated into lookup tables that can help DNOs produce preliminary and quick estimates of the LCT impacts on a particular feeder without performing detailed studies. To increase the adoption of LCTs in the feeders with problems, four solutions are investigated: feeder reinforcement, three-phase connection of LCTs, loop connection of LV feeders and implementation of OLTCs (on-load tap changers) in LV networks. All these solutions are embedded in the Probabilistic Impact Assessment. The technical and economic benefits of each of the solutions are quantified for the 25 networks implemented.

La thèse répond à deux problématiques, d'une part la quantification des effacements de consommation d'électricité par technologies gaz dans l'habitat et d'autre part de l'intégration de leurs valorisations dans une perspective de planification des infrastructures. Ces travaux se justifient dans un contexte d'augmentation de la pointe électrique, à l'origine d'une hausse du risque de défaillance du système, et de la baisse des consommations de gaz naturel conduisant à une sous utilisation du réseau de distribution. Pourtant, alors que la demande en gaz naturel croît du fait de l'installation de centrales à cycle combiné sur le réseau de transport, l'interaction des réseaux de distribution gaz/électricité n'est pas exploitée.Ce manuscrit envisage l'intégration des technologies gaz comme moyen de Maîtrise de la Demande en Électricité dans le processus de planification des réseaux. Ainsi les effacements de consommations d'électricité lors des périodes dimensionnantes par des micro-cogénérateurs ou des chaudières hybrides sont des solutions alternatives aux solutions de renforcement de réseaux.Pour quantifier le gisement d'effacement, nous nous intéressons à l'impact marginal des systèmes sur la demande en termes de modification de la quantité d'Énergie Non Distribuée potentielle. Les estimations des impacts de systèmes de chauffage sur la demande sont donc des prérequis à cette approche. Nous modélisons les courbes de charge régionales par une approche Bottom-Up permettant de déterminer les profils de demande marginale de chauffage en fonction des systèmes. La mise en application de cette méthode est à fiabiliser par des études socio-technico-économiques permettant de réduire les incertitudes sur les déterminants des besoins de chauffage. Une calibration en puissance des profils générés a été proposée mais n'a pu être réalisée. En revanche, nous apportons une contribution à l'analyse des courbes de charge agrégées en montrant que le modèle d'estimation actuellement utilisé par le gestionnaire de réseau s'apparente à un modèle simplifié de bâtiment / This PhD thesis addresses two issues: Firstly, the assessment of Demand Side Management (DSM) opportunity of gas and electricity technologies in dwellings, and secondly, the integration of their valuations in infrastructure planning schemes.This work originaites from a context of the growth of electricity peaks (which increased risk of system failure) and the natural gas consumption decrease which leads to an under-utilization of the gas distribution network.This manuscript focuses on the integration of gas technologies as DSM solution to contribute to the planning of electricity grid. Indeed, relieving the electricity consumption during constrained periods by diffusing micro-cogeneration or hybrid boiler, is an actual alternative to network reinforcement solutions. To quantify the load shedding capacity, we are interested in the marginal impact of demand systems on the amount of Energy Not Supplied potential. Estimating systems' impacts on heating demand is a prerequisite to this approach. So we model the regional heating load curves by a Bottom-Up approach to simulate marginal demand profiles depending on heating systems. The implementation of this method requires socio-technico-economic studies to reduce uncertainty of the determinants of heating needs. A load calibration methodology has been proposed but has not been performed. However, we make a contribution to the analysis of aggregated load curves emphasizing that the load model currently used by network operator similar to a simplified building model.

La micro cogénération désigne la génération simultanée de deux types d’énergie à faible puissance. En énergétique, ce terme désigne en pratique la production simultanée d’électricité et de chaleur : le principe reposant sur la récupération de la chaleur fatale induite par la production électrique. Deux bancs d’essais ont d’abord été réalisés sur deux prototypes de micro cogénérateurs : un moteur Stirling à gaz et un moteur à vapeur à granulés de bois. Une campagne expérimentale a été menée pour caractériser chaque système au niveau énergétique et environnemental. Les résultats expérimentaux ont abouti sur deux modèles numériques dynamiques et semi-physiques de micro cogénérateurs programmés dans l’environnement numérique TRNSYS où une plateforme numérique de simulation a été développée. Celle-ci intègre principalement des modèles de systèmes de stockage d’énergie, des générateurs stochastiques de fichiers de besoins énergétiques et des stratégies innovantes de pilotage des systèmes et des charges selon des critères de précision et de réalisme.Cette plateforme a permis d’évaluer la pertinence énergétique, environnementale et économique de micro cogénérateurs couplés aux bâtiments d’habitation et au réseau électrique selon différentes configurations. / Micro combined heat and power (µCHP) or cogeneration means the simultaneous generation of two energy types. In energetic fields, this term refers usually to the simultaneous production of electricity and heat: the principle being based on the recovering of the fatal heat induced by the electricity production processes.Firstly, two test benches were carried out on two µCHP prototypes: a gas Stirling engine and a wood pellets steam engine. Experimental investigations were conducted to characterize each system at energy and environmental levels. The experimental results led two dynamic and semi physical numerical models of µCHP systems programmed in the numerical tool TRNSYS where a numerical platform has been developed. This platform integrates mainly energy storage systems models, stochastic energy needs file generators and innovative management strategy of systems and energy loads according to precision and realism criteria.This platform allows assessing realistic energy, environmental and economic relevance of µCHP systems coupled with dwelling buildings and the power grid according to different configurations.

L’objectif de cette thèse est d’étudier expérimentalement les performances énergétiques d'une installation de micro-cogénération solaire. Le prototype réalisé est constitué d'un concentrateur cylindro-parabolique associé à un moteur à vapeur fonctionnant suivant un cycle de Hirn (Rankine avec surchauffe). Les originalités de ce projet sont l’utilisation de l’énergie solaire, renouvelable et inépuisable mais intermittente, la génération directe de vapeur au sein d'un concentrateur de taille réduite (46,5 m²), le système de suivi solaire sur deux axes et le couplage à un moteur à piston non lubrifié. La première partie de l'étude porte sur le concentrateur seul. Son fonctionnement est étudié sur deux journées types (ensoleillée et nuageuse) et son rendement thermique est évalué. La dynamique du système est également abordée notamment par l'étude de sa réponse à des perturbations. Une régulation de type boucle ouverte a été mise en place et validée. La seconde partie concerne la caractérisation du moteur seul. Des essais ont été menés avec une puissance de source chaude stable puis variable. À partir des résultats obtenus, un modèle empirique est développé, puis exploité dans le cadre d'une étude paramétrique du moteur. Cette étude montre l'influence importante du ratio de pression et de la vitesse de rotation sur le rendement. Dans la dernière partie, les performances globales (rendement, puissances électrique et thermique produites) du micro-cogénérateur sont évaluées. Des essais à pression et à vitesse régulées sont présentés. A partir de cartographies de fonctionnement réalisées à l’aide d’un modèle empirique, une régulation basée sur l'utilisation d'un by-pass est alors mise en place, puis testée. / The objective of this thesis is the experimental study of the energy performances of a micro combined solar heat and power (micro-CHP) unit. The prototype is composed of a solar parabolic trough collector coupled to a Hirn (superheated Rankine) cycle engine. The originalities of this project are the use of solar energy which is renewable and inexhaustible but intermittent, the direct steam generation with a reduced size parabolic trough collector (46.5 m²), the two axis tracking system and the coupling with an oil-free reciprocating steam engine. The first part of this study is focussed on the solar collector. Thermal performances under sunny and cloudy conditions are presented and the thermal efficiency is evaluated. The system dynamic is also investigated through the characterization of the inertia as well as a study of its response to perturbations. Then a control strategy is set up and validated. The second part deals with the characterization of the engine. Tests have been performed with a stable and variable heat source power. From these tests, an empirical model has been developed and used in a parametrical study. This study shows the significant influence of the pressure ratio and of the rotational speed on the efficiency of the engine. In the last part, global performances (efficiency, output thermal and electrical powers) of the entire micro-CHP unit are evaluated. Tests with controlled pressure and speed are presented. From operating maps established from an empirical model, a control strategy based on the use of a by-pass is set up and tested.