Thermodynamic and exergoeconomic assessment of a trigeneration system driven by a biomass energy source for power, cooling, and heating generation

Abstract

Environmental concerns and the limitations of conventional energy drive the exploration of reliable renewable sources. Herein, a biomass-assisted trigeneration system in conjunction with a methane-fed gas turbine cycle for generating power, cooling, and heating, and an attempt has been made to maximize the energy extraction from the energy source. The proposed system includes a steam Rankine cycle, a gas turbine unit, and a Kalina subsystem, and is investigated from energetic, exergetic, and economic viewpoints. A comprehensive parametric evaluation is carried out, and a multi-objective grey wolf optimization algorithm integrated with the LINMAP decision-maker method is employed to detect the most optimum point through two different scenarios. By conducting a base study, a net output power of 5926 kW, cooling load of 36.56 kW, heating load of 843.4 kW, and an energetic efficiency of 47.41 % can be achieved. The exergetic and economic standpoints bring out an exergy destruction rate of 7697.07 kW, cycle exergetic efficiency of 41.44 %, and a net present value of 12.420 $M that sequels to a payback period of 5.56 years. Biomass proves reliable in multigeneration systems, emphasizing the pivotal role of studies in maximizing energy extraction for diverse product outputs.