Expansion Planning with Dispersed Fuel Cell Power Plants on Actual Utility Systems

This paper presents the results of a study on the applications of fuel cell power plants (FCPPs) on actual utility systems for the period 1986-2005. Thirty- seven utilities participated in this study, and provided their actual system data and dollar values on the potential realizable benefits of applying FCPPs on their systems. A single computer model and a common set of consistent economic and technical data were used to determine the economics of installing FCPPs compared to conventional technologies for all the participating utilities. The study produced credible information on the potential applications of FCPPs on actual utility systems in terms of economic viability, capacity mix, operating modes, and factors important to system planning with FCPPs.