This lab for small-scale combined heat, power and cooling (mCHP) is used to simulate complex energy supply systems for electricity, heating and cooling in the grid network, taking into account the load situation at the consumer. The current network load is provided by an external signal. The actual load situation is mapped in the Air Conditioning/Ventilation Lab (with climate chamber). Based on these parameters, corresponding operation management algorithms optimize the micro-CHP system with power input or output, heat or cold production and thermal storage use. The following components are available:

• Cogeneration plant: 5 kW / 10 kW
• Hot-water stratified storage: 1.500 l with 6 kW heater
• Adsorption chiller: 12 kW
• Reversible heat pump: 12 kW, cooling, and 16 kW, heating
• Cold-water stratified storage: 1,450 l
• Cooling tower / outdoor unit: 29 kW, waste heat, also heat source

These components are connected in such a way as to allow very flexible thermo-hydraulic coupling. Extensive process automation in combination with market-standard field systems serves as a test platform for optimized control algorithms.