Multi-aspect prediction of the sensitivity of thermodynamic/thermoeconomic performance metrics of an innovative solar-driven trigeneration system utilizing thermal energy storage

Abstract

Clean energy development for multiple productions interests many countries and companies. Hence, this paper presents an innovative solar-driven trigeneration arrangement equipped with a thermal energy storage unit (TESU); the whole system comprises parabolic dish collectors, a modified Rankine cycle, and a double-effect absorption chiller. The system is designed to enhance the integrity performance compared to previous designs. Heat loss recovery is performed using an internal heat exchanger to improve the Rankine cycle's performance. The operating framework of the arrangement contains three steady modes: solar mode associated with the state without applying TESU, storage mode corresponding to the state without solar energy using TESU, and solar-storage mode capable of storing energy in addition to launching the combined cycles. The prediction of the sensitivity of the net output power, heating capacity, input energy, power to heating and cooling ratios, and energy and exergy efficiencies is conducted in solar mode. Furthermore, the thermoeconomic analysis is carried out in solar mode to determine the equipment's financial aspect. Referring to the results, the overall energy efficiencies of the modes introduced before are equal to 97.23%, 81.98%, and 40.23%, and the corresponding exergy efficiencies are 15.53%, 14.47%, and 8.58%. Also, the exergoeconomic factor of the solar subsystem is 70.77%.