Proposal of a geothermal-driven multigeneration system for power, cooling, and fresh water: Thermoeconomic assessment and optimization

Abstract

The depletion of fossil fuel reserves and environmental challenges have prompted the exploration of alternative energy sources. Geothermal energy, extractable from within the Earth's crust, emerges as a reliable renewable option throughout the mentioned shift. In this regard, the presented study introduces a geothermal-powered multigeneration system designed to generate power, manage cooling loads, and produce fresh water. This comprehensive system incorporates an organic flash cycle, a half-effect absorption refrigeration unit, a Kalina cycle, and a humidification-dehumidification desalination unit. Evaluating the system's thermoeconomic performance involves considering input parameters and simplifying assumptions to determine the performance profitability of the presented system. Furthermore, a parametric examination is conducted which is followed by the employment of an optimization analysis across three diverse scenarios to identify the most favorable operating conditions. The results of the presented research reveal that the suggested system can deliver power, cooling capacity, and freshwater production at rates of 342.3 kW, 301.7 kW, and 0.233 kg/s, respectively. Additionally, the system demonstrates an exergy efficiency of 31.52 % and achieves a payback period of 5.85 years.