Methodology for Calculation of the Marginal Emission Rates from a ComplexCogeneration Facility compared with that of the co-located NY ISO Bus

Abstract

Cogeneration facilities at commercial and institutional locations are significant emitters carbon dioxide. Many large universities, hospitals and large commercial complexes maintain combined heat and power facilities that are interfaced with wholesale power markets. These facilities both buy and sell electricity in the organized markets while maintaining what is their principle function of provision of thermal energy for heating and cooling. In this paper we provide the theoretical background to calculation of Marginal Emission Rates (MERs), provide an overview of the optimal operation of those facilities, and present the results of a detailed case analysis of the results of a comparison of the MER of an operating cogeneration facility at Cornell University compared with the MER for consumption of electricity at the closest wholesale bus of the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO).