Integrated polygeneration system for coastal areas

Abstract

Polygeneration is a sustainable energy concept, which could deliver multiple energy vectors (power, heat and cooling) and other useful products (desalinated water, hydrogen, etc.) by possible integration of suitable technologies. In this study, a polygeneration system for coastal area applications is driven by a hybrid solar/bio-oil boiler to produce the energy intensive products of cooling, power, desalinated water and hot air for drying. Solar thermal is the primary energy source to drive the polygeneration system, whereas the bio-oil boiler is the auxiliary source to drive it at non-sunshine hours. The performance characteristics of the hybrid system is investigated to identify the effects of various key parameters such as temperatures of heat source, sink and evaporator along with expander Built in Volume ratio. The obtained results at a typical operating condition show that the parabolic trough collector aperture area is 130 m2, the system produces net power output of 47 kW, desalinated water of 1.205 m3/h, 92 kW of hot air for drying and 141 kW of cooling. The overall energy and exergy efficiencies of the proposed system are found to be 22% and 87%, respectively.