Proposed Test Methodology and Performance Rating Standard for Residential Fuel Cell Systems

Published

June 1, 2006

Author(s)

Mark W. Davis, M W. Ellis, Brian P. Dougherty

Abstract

A test method and rating standard is proposed for residential fuel cell systems (RFCS). The proposed approach extends previously developed test procedures for fuel cells by establishing specific test methods and calculation procedures that are applicable to residential fuel cell systems. These methods and procedures provide the end user with metrics that can be used to evaluate the merit of a RFCS in a particular application.In the proposed standard, RFCS are classified into four types: Type I Grid independent, electrical load following; Type II Grid interconnected, constant power; Type III Grid interconnected, thermal load following; and Type IV Grid interconnected, water heating. Test procedures are described that yield simplified models for the performance of each system based on appropriate load characteristics and ambient conditions.For each system type, steady and simulated use models are combined to predict the performance of the system in response to typical residential electrical and thermal loads for various representative climates. Performance is corrected to reflect the effect of ventilation air required by units that are located indoors. The annual performance is expressed in terms of the impact on the end user s net electricity use (or generation), fuel use, and water use.

Citation

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 7301

Report Number

7301

NIST Pub Series

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.7301

Keywords

combined heat and power, fuel cell performance, fuel cells, rating methodology, residential fuel cell

Citation

Davis, M. , Ellis, M. and Dougherty, B. (2006), Proposed Test Methodology and Performance Rating Standard for Residential Fuel Cell Systems, NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.7301 (Accessed October 9, 2025)