Selection of the best prime mover and sizing strategy for a CCHP system by analytic hierarchy process

A combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) system which provides power and heat demands of a five story benchmark residential building was considered. After calculation of power demand, cooling and heating loads, the best alternative for the prime mover and sizing strategy was selected. The selection was made by analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The decision making criteria were the life cycle cost, annual carbon dioxide emission and annual average of efficiencies. Limitations in available equipment and their specific capacities were considered in this research. According to the results, the national motor with the efficiency of 37.60%, sized based on the maximum electrical load, and with the score of 44.4/ 100 found to be the best alternative.