Techno-economic simulation and sensitivity analysis of modular cogeneration with organic rankine cycle and battery energy storage system for enhanced energy performance

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of the efficiency and cost implications of a modular cogeneration plant integrated with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) plant. The objective is to assess the performance of the system when waste heat recovery through the ORC cycle is added to the exhaust line and compare it with the original system. Techno-economic parameters were analyzed for two different configurations: one with the maximum BESS size and another with the maximum Primary Energy Savings (PES).The results demonstrate that the incorporation of the ORC plant yields several notable outcomes. While there is a slight increase in the Simple Payback Period (SPB) and Net Present Value (NPV) in both configurations, the magnitudes of these increases are relatively low. In contrast, the introduction of the ORC cycle leads to substantial reductions in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and significant improvements in Primary Energy Savings (PES). For the Max PES configuration, a remarkable 25% reduction in CO2 emissions and a substantial 22% improvement in PES were observed. To further investigate the system's response to varying economic conditions, a sensitivity analysis was performed. The analysis considered the effects of changes in the cost of battery, Combined Heat and Power (CHP) unit, ORC components, electricity, and fuel on the system's Simple Payback Period (SPB) and Net Present Value (NPV). The results revealed that the sensitivity of the Max PES configuration to economic parameters was higher compared to the Max BESS system.These findings highlight the considerable advantages of integrating an ORC plant into a cogeneration system with a BESS. The significant reduction in CO2 emissions and the noteworthy improvement in Primary Energy Savings (PES) outweigh the relatively minor negative impact on the Simple Payback Period (SPB) and Net Present Value (NPV). This integrated configuration demonstrates both environmental benefits and energy efficiency improvements. The results provide valuable insights for the design, optimization, and decision-making processes involved in the implementation of cogeneration systems with energy storage, promoting sustainable and cost-effective solutions.