Jim,
It depends if you want thermal storage for the heat from the generator and how the generator is controlled.
If you don’t want storage and want the generator to be operated to follow the thermal load, then it can go directly on the supply side in parallel with the boiler (no second loop at all). If you want to store the heat and run the generator based on electrical control, then put the generator on the demand side of a second loop with a water tank (water heater with no heating power) on the supply side and connect the tank to the main loop as you suggest. See MicroCogeneration.idf example file. No thermal storage and electrical-based control of generator can cause problems if/when the heat produced exceeds the demand.
Brent
From: EnergyPlus_Support@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:EnergyPlus_Support@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Jim Dirkes
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2012 12:29 PM
To: EnergyPlus_Support@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [EnergyPlus_Support] Heat Recovery from a GenSet
Dear Forum,
I am beginning to model a heating system which uses heat recovered from a diesel engine electricity generator. The diesel generator operates during the peak electrical demand portions of the day, when it’s recovered energy is the primary source of heat for the building. During the remainder of the day, a boiler provides the heat. The boiler also serves as a “second stage” of heating during the day.
I have shown the system in the attachment as I envision it, but have doubts about whether that will work in EnergyPlus. My cause for doubt is that I essentially show one plant loop feeding another plant loop.
This is somewhat similar to an example in the IO Reference for HeatExchanger:Plate, but the IO Reference discussion also says the object is intended specifically for condenser loops – which this is not.
I have also thought that perhaps a WaterHeater:Mixed might
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