Selection of prime mover type was investigated for use in combined cooling, heat and power systems. Selection was determined from comparison of performance criteria for economic, energy and emissions savings. Simulations were run for three different types of prime movers in one climate zone and compared to a reference case with a typical separate heating and power system in the same climate zone. A hybrid load following method was implemented, with a suggested improvement. Performance parameters were compared and results indicated emissions and energy savings for all three prime movers. The prime mover types were reciprocating internal combustion engine (ICE), micro-turbine and phosphoric acid fuel cell. The climate zone was chosen to be a cold, humid climate represented by Chicago, IL. Economic savings were seen for both the ICE and micro-turbines. Emissions savings for carbon, nitrogenoxides and methane, for all threetypes, were greater than 9%, 12%, and 13%, respectively. Primary energy consumption savings for all three were greater than 8%. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.