Thermodynamic Analysis and Systematic Comparison of Solar-Heated Trigeneration Systems Based on ORC and Absorption Heat Pump

Jesús García-Domínguez and J. Daniel Marcos
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Jesús García-Domínguez: Department of Energy Engineering, National Distance Education University, UNED, 28040 Madrid, Spain
J. Daniel Marcos: Department of Energy Engineering, National Distance Education University, UNED, 28040 Madrid, Spain

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 16, 1-20

Abstract: Modular and scalable distributed generation solutions as combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) systems are currently a promising solution for the simultaneous generation of electricity and useful heating and cooling for large buildings or industries. In the present work, a solar-heated trigeneration approach based on different organic Rankine cycle (ORC) layouts and a single-effect H 2 O/LiBr absorption heat pump integrated as a bottoming cycle is analysed from the thermodynamic viewpoint. The main objective of the study is to provide a comprehensive guide for selecting the most suitable CCHP configuration for a solar-heated CCHP system, following a systematic investigation approach. Six alternative CCHP configurations based on single-pressure and dual-pressure ORC layouts, such as simple, recuperated and superheated cycles, and their combinations, and seven organic fluids as working medium are proposed and compared systematically. A field of solar parabolic trough collectors (SPTCs) used as a heat source of the ORC layouts and the absorption heat pump are kept invariant. A comprehensive parametric analysis of the different proposed configurations is carried out for different design operating conditions. Several output parameters, such as energy and exergy efficiency, net electrical power and electrical to heating and cooling ratios are examined. The study reveals that the most efficient CCHP configuration is the single-pressure ORC regenerative recuperated superheated cycle with toluene as a working fluid, which is on average 25% and 8% more efficient than the variants with single-pressure simple cycle and the dual-pressure recuperated superheated cycle, respectively. At nominal design conditions, the best performing CCHP variant presents 163.7% energy efficiency and 12.3% exergy efficiency, while the electricity, cooling and heating productions are 56.2 kW, 223.0 kW and 530.1 kW, respectively.

Keywords: trigeneration (CCHP); organic rankine cycle (ORC); solar thermal energy; parametric optimisation; performance comparison (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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