Optimization and multi-aspect evaluation of a solar/biomass-powered multi-generation plant with an integrated thermoelectric generator unit

Abstract

A newly hybrid solar/biomass-powered integrated multi-generation plant with a thermoelectric generator unit for supplying multiplex commodities has been studied in the current research. The heat that is obtained from solar energy plus biomass combustion, gives rise to valuable outputs, i.e., power, hydrogen, cooling load, and potable water by an integrated energy plant including a parabolic trough solar collector, a steam Rankine cycle, a combined ejector-absorption chiller unit, a thermoelectric generator unit, a PEM electrolyzer as well as a multi-effect water desalination unit. A comprehensive investigation based on energetic, exergetic, exergo-environmental, and exergo-economic methods has been employed to appraise the plant from the first and second laws of thermodynamics aspects. To acquire the most satisfactory working position in the plant, multi-criteria optimization is accomplished concurrently with the exergetic efficiency maximization plus the cost rate of total product minimization. The outcomes expose that, at the optimum operating position, the plant can touch 15.59% and 1.42 $/s for second law efficiency and the total cost rate of the product, sequentially. The outcome reached from the case study implies performing the plant is more viable economically in the cold months compared to the warmer months.