Evaluation Tools

There are many tools available for facilitating data collection and analysis and evaluating the performance and economics of CHP systems. These range from the basic and quick to the detailed. The following is an exhaustive list of the tools available, cost, the technologies that they support, some key features and the source or contact person. They are loosely categorized according to the decision making stage that they are most appropriate at.

 
 Walk Through

Name

Est Cost

CHP Technologies

Other Technologies

FC

GT

MT

RP

ST

Dis

RE

Sto

Geo

DH

C/B

HVAC

EPA CHP Checklist

Free

ROIs, Tariffs, Barriers, Technology, and the "Burning Issue" - Is Cogen Right for You?

Free

A Walkthrough Checklist

Free

Name

Est Cost

CHP Technologies

Other Technologies

FC

GT

MT

RP

ST

Dis

RE

Sto

Geo

DH

C/B

HVAC

CHP Analysis

Free

Y

Y

Y

Y

CHP Savings Estimator

Free

Y

Y

CogenPro

Free

Y

Y

Y

Y

Fuel Cell Energy Cost Model

Free

Y

High Temperature Fuel Cell Calculator

Free

Y

HOMER

Free

Y

Y

Y

Microturbine Generator Calculator

Free

Y

Proforma

Free

Y

Y

Spreadsheet for Evaluating Economics of CHP Systems

Free

Y

Y

Y

Name

Est Cost

CHP Technologies

Other Technologies

FC

GT

MT

RP

ST

Dis

RE

Sto

Geo

DH

C/B

HVAC

BCHP Screening Tool

Free

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Building Energy Analyzer

$580 $780(pro)

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Cogeneration Ready Reckoner

Free

Y

Y

Y

DGen Pro

$675

Y

Y

Y

Y

DOE2.1E

Free

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

DOE2.2

Free

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

EnergyPlus

Free

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

NASEO DG Analysis Tool

Free

Y

Y

Y

Plant Design Expert

$3,060

Y

ReciPro

$1,500

Y

RetScreen Combined Heat and Power Project Model

Free

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Name

Est Cost

CHP Technologies

Other Technologies

FC

GT

MT

RP

ST

Dis

RE

Sto

Geo

DH

C/B

HVAC

Heatmap

$7,000

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Plant Design Expert

$7,500

Y

SOAPP CT.25

$7,500

Y

Name

Est Cost

CHP Technologies

Other Technologies

FC

GT

MT

RP

ST

Dis

RE

Sto

Geo

DH

C/B

HVAC

CECA DE Selector

Free

Y

Y

Y

Emissions Calculator Spreadsheet

Free

Y

Y

eSTPE

Y

GTeye

Y

• FC - Fuel Cell
• GT - Gas-Turbine
• MT - Micro-Turbine
• RP - Reciprocating Engine
• ST - Steam Turbine
• Dis - District Heating/Cooling

• RE - Renewable Energy
• Sto - Storage
• Geo - Geothermal
• DH - Dehumidification
• C/B - Chiller/Boiler
• HVAC - Heating, Ventilation, & Airconditioning System

Additional Resources

1. You can also find some of these and many other tools related to buildings at the Building Energy Software Tools Directory, which is updated periodically.
2. Randy Hudson of Oak Ridge National Laboratory has done a survey on some of these tools.
3. The DOE website of Distributed Energy Toolbox has listing of additional software tools and on-line guides that provide assistance with evaluating and developing distributed energy projects.