An expert system for cogeneration energy system selection

A demonstration expert system has been developed which assists engineers in cogeneration energy system selection by asking them such applications-related questions as the desired electrical and thermal loads, fuel price, and electric rates. The answers given will be interfaced with the expert system's knowledge base to recommend candidate systems. Attention is given to expert system use results obtained for a sample site; their suitability is compared to that of the detailed results obtained by an earlier cogeneration system study.