ECO-PROFILES OF INNOVATIVE ENERGY SYSTEMS FOR DOMESTIC AND RESIDENTIAL APPLICATIONS

Abstract

The growth of distributed generation systems and the new release on energy markets of new generation technologies, on a small scale, causing advancements in research of new priorities in innovative energy systems “Smart buildings”, able to generate, store and manage energy flows will become the starting point of the future distribution networks (smart buildings to smart grid). The goal of this study is to assess the eco-profile of 1 kWh of electricity, selected as a functional unit, generated by a solid oxide fuel cell system. The analysis was performed by applying the Life Cycle Assessment methodology, which allows to compare different products and services with the same function and to identify the most significant impacts to focus on, in order to improve the energy and environmental performance of the examined products/services. The study was performed by examining the entire life cycle of the devices, from cradle to grave.