Thermoeconomic Optimization of a Polygeneration System Based on a Solar-Assisted Desiccant Cooling

Luis Gabriel Gesteira (), Javier Uche, Francesco Liberato Cappiello and Luca Cimmino
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Luis Gabriel Gesteira: Department of Mechanical Technology, Federal Institute of Bahia, Salvador 40301-015, Brazil
Javier Uche: CIRCE Research Institute, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
Francesco Liberato Cappiello: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, P.le Tecchio 80, 80138 Naples, Italy
Luca Cimmino: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, P.le Tecchio 80, 80138 Naples, Italy

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 2, 1-16

Abstract: This paper presents a thermoeconomic analysis of a polygeneration system based on solar-assisted desiccant cooling. The overall plant layout supplies electricity, space heating and cooling, domestic hot water, and freshwater for a residential building. The system combines photovoltaic/thermal collectors, photovoltaic panels, and a biomass boiler coupled with reverse osmosis and desiccant air conditioning. The plant was modeled in TRNSYS and simulated for 1 year. A parametric study defined the system’s setup. A thermoeconomic optimization determined the set of parameters that minimize the simple payback period. The optimal structure showed a total energy efficiency of 0.49 for the solar collectors and 0.16 for the solar panels. The coefficient of performance of the desiccant air conditioning was 0.37. Finally, a sensitivity analysis analyzed the influence of purchase electricity and natural gas costs and the electricity sell-back price on the system. The optimum simple payback was 20.68 years; however, the increase in the energy cost can reduce it by up to 85%.

Keywords: renewable energy; building; polygeneration system; desiccant air conditioning; optimization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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