Exergoeconomic evaluation of a novel multigeneration process using solar driven Kalina cycle integrated with gas turbine cycle, double-effect absorption chiller, and liquefied natural gas cold energy recovery

Abstract

This study is motivated to propose, evaluate, and optimize a solar-based multigeneration system relying on consecutive heat integration. Here, a heliostat field is configured to collect solar power and supply high-temperature air toward a nitrogen-based Brayton cycle. Afterward, the output hot air is subjected to a Kalina cycle suitable for medium-temperature heat resumption. A double-effect absorption refrigeration cycle boosted by a Liquid-based natural gas cold energy recovery unit for power generation and natural gas regasification are the other subsystems. The principal purpose is to protect the energy level of the fluid evacuating the solar field and to minimize the irreversibility of the scheme since solar-based systems lead to major irreversibility. The designed process is apprised from a 3E perspective, including exergy, energy, and exergoeconomic analyses. In addition, a comprehensive sensitivity study is done based on the influence of effective factors on the exergy and energy efficiencies and unit cost of products. Eventually, a multi-objective optimization is performed to set the most suitable condition of decision parameters and reach the optimal unit cost of products and exergy performance (objective functions). To do optimization, a genetic algorithm is applied, and two decision-making approaches, i.e., LINMAP and TOPSIS, are regarded. The optimal objectives are gauged to be 24.76% and 15.90 $/GJ by TOPSIS and 24.47% and 15.73 $/GJ by LINMAP, respectively.