Evaluating the Integral Competitiveness of Small-Capacity Autonomous Power Supply Systems in Terms of Technical, Service and Economic Indicators
The article discusses matters concerned with evaluating the competitiveness and effectiveness of using different types of small-capacity power installations, including mini thermal power plants (mini-TPP) and mini combined heat and power plants (mini-CHP) for distributed generation. The competitiveness of microturbine, gas-piston engine, and diesel generator power units is evaluated with reference to a 1 MW mini-CHP taking into account their updated technical, service and financial indicators. The relevant calculation was carried out based on the multicriterion hierarchy analysis method with respect to the indicator called the "Integral competitiveness level". It has been found that a mini-CHP equipped with microturbine power units outperforms the other generating systems considered in the analysis. Strong and weak competitiveness indicators of the considered power units and factors influencing their competitiveness level have been identified. It has been demonstrated that small-capacity microturbine-based cogeneration power units have good prospects for distributed generation and autonomous power supply. It is worthy of noting that the use of microturbine power units only in the power generation mode degrades their competitiveness level. It has been shown that domestically produced small-capacity power units are inferior to their foreign analogs, and it has been identified that small-capacity power units produced in Russia still have a significant proportion of imported components. These circumstances generate the need for implementing an import substitution policy in the industry producing power machinery and equipment and in constructing domestically produced energy-efficient, environmentally safe and reliable autonomous power supply sources. The obtained theoretical and practical results are recommended for use in developing economic and industry forecasts, business plans, investment project feasibility studies, and in performing activities in the fields of developing enterprise power supply systems and in designing and operating mini-TPPs and mini-CHPs.