Thermodynamic modeling and analysis of a solar and geothermal assisted multi-generation energy system

Abstract

A geothermal and solar energy-assisted multi-generation energy system supplying electricity for the residences is modeled and analyzed. The system considered is a novel configuration consisting of a binary geothermal power plant and a parabolic trough concentrating solar power plant for electricity production and water electrolysis and fuel cell unit for hydrogen storage and utilization. Thermodynamic performance evaluation of the system is performed using Afyonkarahisar's geothermal and solar energy values. In Afyonkarahisar province, geothermal water temperature ranges between 70 and 130 °C and mass flow rate between 70 and 150 kg/s. Also, solar radiation incident varies between 300 and 1000 W/m2. The geothermal and solar power plants could produce 2900 kW power. If this is used entirely for hydrogen production, 0.0185 kg/s hydrogen could be produced. One can produce 1615 kW power by using this hydrogen in the fuel cell. The overall system's energy and exergy efficiencies are calculated to be 5.90% and 18.99%, respectively. The system's parametric study is performed considering geothermal resource temperatures and solar radiation values on the power output and hydrogen production.