Thermodynamic performance analysis and optimization for a novel full-spectrum solar-driven trigeneration system integrated with organic Rankine cycle

Abstract

Solar-driven trigeneration systems do not consume any fossil fuels and can output cooling, heating, and electricity independently, which effectively reduces environmental pollution and improves solar energy utilization. However, the traditional solar-driven trigeneration system only utilizes part of the solar spectrum, resulting in significant heat losses. Therefore, a new full-spectrum solar-driven trigeneration system integrated with an organic Rankine cycle is proposed to improve solar energy utilization efficiency. Applied the Engineering Equation Solver, the thermodynamic models of the trigeneration system are established, and the effects of some key parameters on thermodynamic performance are discussed. Additionally, the thermal allocation ratio is optimized to maximize the environmental benefits of the system. The simulation results indicate that solar to electric efficiency, energy efficiency, and exergy efficiency are positively correlated with the cut-off wavelength of norbornadiene. When the thermal allocation ratio is 0.3, the system has the most significant environmental benefit. The annual solar to electric efficiency, annual energy and exergy efficiencies reach 3.80%, 66.97%, and 8.27%, respectively. Compared with the reference system, both the carbon dioxide emission and primary energy consumption are reduced by 41.75%, demonstrating that the proposed system effectively improves the utilization of solar energy.