Heating Costs Research Articles

Design and implementation of a data-driven intelligent water heating system for an island community: A case study

Water heating accounts for approximately 25% of household energy use in developed countries. Therefore, the optimal control of water heating through the deployment of intelligent residential Electric Water Heaters (EWH) brings significant benefits. This paper presents an innovative design and implementation of an easy-to-use device for intelligent residential water heating. The device relied upon machine learning techniques to forecast a consumer’s hot water demand and optimize the operation of an EWH using a novel data collection process that relied on non-intrusive vibration data alone. The device was deployed in a six-month pilot project on the island of São Miguel, Portugal. The major difficulties were the novel use of vibration data to forecast the volume of hot water used and the uncertain behavior of the consumers. The challenges of only using vibration data were solved by careful data collection and artificial intelligence methods. To tackle the issue of uncertain consumer behavior, an innovative ‘heat now’ function was incorporated into the device to override the novel control framework. Results show that the device could accurately forecast hot water demand and optimally operate the EWH to meet this demand. The results showed an average reduction of 1.33 kWh/day per consumer, which equates to an average decrease of 35.5% in water heating costs. Calculations show that these devices can reduce the total energy used by 2832 kWh daily or 0.21% of total electricity generated. Furthermore, a fleet of these devices could reduce thermal generation by 0.37%, reducing emissions by 693.31 tons of CO2 per year. The results from the consumer survey show that the device did not affect the consumer’s comfort, validating the benefits and efficacy of the proposed device. Hence, the paper shows that a simple-to-use, novel device using an innovative forecasting algorithm based on non-intrusive vibration data brings numerous quantifiable benefits to actual consumers and electrical utilities.

District Heating System Optimisation: A Three-Phase Thermo-Hydraulic Linear Model

Investments in the development of the district heating system require a thorough analysis of the technical, economic, and legal aspects. Regarding the technical and economic context, a mathematical model of the district heating system has been proposed. It optimizes both the technical and economic aspects of the function and development of a district heating system. To deal with non-linearities, the developed linear programming model is divided into three phases: flow, thermal, and pressure. Therein, non-linear dependencies are calculated between the linear optimization phases. This paper presents the main assumptions and equations that were used to calculate the parameters of the heating system, along with the optimal level of heat production, the flow rate of the heating medium in the heat nodes and edges of the network graph, the heat, power, and temperature losses at each edge, and the purchase costs of heat and its transmission. The operation of the model was tested on a real-world district heating system. The case study results confirm that the model is effective and can be used in decision support. The economic results of the model, before the calibration process, were 3.6% different from historical values. After the calibration process, they were very similar to the real data—all percentage deviations were within 1%.

Development of a computational thermodynamics EERZ model for the improvement of hot rolled light steel profiles steel refining

Light steel profiles are steels with medium C, Mn and Si contents. In these steels internal cleanness is important for mechanical properties and surface quality, both during hot rolling and during the coating of the final product. Production costs of these steels are defined by the total heat time, from charging the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) to starting continuous casting. Ladle furnace (LF) processing has a large influence on heat time and costs related to deoxidation, meeting composition requirements with a high yield of oxidizing alloying additions and proper rinsing to promote homogenization and cleanness. Thermodynamics and kinetics control how slag and steel oxidation levels evolve, as well as the evolution of the non-metallic inclusion population since at this stage primary oxides are the main inclusions. A model based on solid thermodynamic and kinetics fundamentals would be extremely useful for the producer of these steels, so that the evolution of the heat in the ladle furnace could be properly understood and, afterward, improve. In this work, we present the development of an “Effective Equilibrium Reaction Zone” (EERZ) for the LF processing of these steels, using a well-established thermodynamic database for metal and slags and a module of commercial computational thermodynamic software. We aim at demonstrating that these easily accessible and useable tools can be very effective to help in industrial process development. Thus, based on three selected industrial heats we adjust the kinetic parameters to describe the processes occurring for tapping from the EAF to releasing the heat for continuous casting. Volumetric mass transfer coefficients, heat transfer coefficients and other less critical variables are adjusted based on these heats and the model is then tested in seven further heats of the same steel grade. Results indicate that it is possible to achieve a good fit of the model to the industrial process and this helps identifying critical process variables to optimize the process schedule of these steels. Furthermore, we identify possible current limitations of the modeling strategy as suggested in the preliminary steps for the development of a EERZ model that may be coupled for on-line use, the support LF operators.

Shallow Geothermal Potential of the Sant’Eufemia Plain (South Italy) for Heating and Cooling Systems: An Effective Renewable Solution in a Climate-Changing Society

In this work, the shallow geothermal heat-exchange potential of a coastal plain in southern Italy, the Sant’Eufemia plain (Calabria region), was evaluated. Stratigraphic and hydrogeological data and thermophysical properties of the main geological formations of the area have been averaged over the first 100 m of subsoil to define the thermal conductivity, the specific heat extraction rates of the ground and the geothermal potential of the area (MWh·y−1) for both cooling and heating modes. The investigation revealed that the crystalline bedrock and the saturated conditions of the sedimentary infill mainly control the heat-exchange potential. The range of the geothermal potential in the investigated Sant’Eufemia plain is 3.61–10.56 MWh·y−1 and 3.72–11.47 MWh·y−1 for heating and cooling purposes, respectively. The average depth drilled to supply a standard domestic power demand of 5.0 kW is ~90 m for heating and ~81 m for cooling modes. The different depth also drives the final drilling costs, which range from EUR 3200 to 8700 for the heating mode and from EUR 2800 to 7800 for the cooling mode. Finally, the mean values of drilling depth and costs for both heating and cooling modes are provided for the main municipalities and strategic sites.

Study of the efficiency of using renewable hydrogen in heating equipment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions

The results of theoretical study of operation of continuous furnaces heated by natural gas, renewable hydrogen, and their mixture are presented. The furnaces have the same design, but significantly different energy efficiencies due to different heat losses and capability of recuperative fume gas heat utilization system. The measures to reduce heat losses and to increase air temperature for fuel combustion can reduce specific fuel consumption for metal heating and carbon dioxide emissions by 25.8% for natural gas furnaces. For furnaces operating on mixture of natural gas and hydrogen, a greater reduction in carbon dioxide emissions is achieved in furnaces with worse energy efficiency, but with greater fuel consumption for metal heating. The paper shows the possibility of converting a furnace with better energy efficiency indicators to be heated by mixture of natural gas (75%) and hydrogen (25%). The measure reduces the natural gas consumption and carbon dioxide emissions to 9.2% due to the use of hydrogen with specific consumption 13.81 m3 per ton of metal. To ensure the same costs for metal heating when transferring continuous furnaces from natural gas to hydrogen, or their mixture, the ratio of prices for natural gas and hydrogen should not exceed 0.301-0.312.

An Optimization Strategy of Price and Conversion Factor Considering the Coupling of Electricity and Gas Based on Three-Stage Game

In order to improve the profits of electricity utility company (EUC) and gas utility company (GUC) and reduce the electricity and heat cost of users, an energy trading and pricing scheme based on three-stage game is proposed. Firstly, a three-stage optimization problem is established, and the conversion between electricity and gas is considered. Meanwhile, the conversion factor is introduced and coordinated with the energy price to adjust the balance of supply and demand. Then, the equilibrium solution of the game is obtained by using Lagrange function and backward induction method. In addition, an iterative algorithm is developed to obtain the optimal conversion factor between electricity and natural gas. Numerical results show that the profits of EUC and GUC are increased by 31.6% and 14.4%, the electricity and heat profits of energy hubs (EHs) are increased by 3% and 6.4%, and the electricity and heat cost of users are reduced by 9.25% and 14.05%. Note to Practitioners—In the multi-energy market, trading and pricing strategies have attracted more and more attention. Based on this, many scholars only studied pricing strategy to balance the supply and demand. However, in the context of multi-energy coupling, the previous pricing strategy is not effective. In this paper, we propose a new pricing strategy, with which the conversion factor can cooperate with the energy price to achieve the balance between supply and demand. The new pricing strategy can increase the profits of electricity utility companies and gas utility companies and reduce the costs of users.

Household responses to winter heating costs: Implications for energy pricing policies and demand-side alternatives

I conduct a survey that presents research subjects with hypothetical costs to adjust their thermostats. I estimate responses to the cost of heating and analyze the causes for heterogeneity in household demand for energy services using the survey results as a complete-information baseline. I find that even at the highest price level ($8 per 5 °F or 2.8 °C), half of the participants exhibit zero response to price. On average, a 100 percent increase in the marginal cost of heating the home induces a 0.31 to 0.97 degree Fahrenheit (0.17 to 0.51 °C) reduction in the winter heating level, corresponding to a −0.005 to −0.014 elasticity. Further, I find that participants’ survey behavior with complete information can explain observed real-world temperature settings, suggesting a limited role for informational barriers or salience issues in energy-service demand heterogeneity. Inelastic demand suggests that energy efficiency policies may have high returns and that centralized demand–response policies may be required to address winter energy emergencies.

Analysis on hybrid compression-assisted sorption heat transformer for potential domestic heating

ABSTRACT Space heating and hot water supply usually have great energy consumption in terms of household, industry, and other services which could be a big issue especially for the cold region. From technical and economic aspect, the present work investigates a hybrid sorption heat transformer (HSHT), which also plays a role of energy storage and upgrade. A renewable source or off-grid electricity is used for electricity supply while solar heat or ambient heat is regarded as heat inputs for two different scenarios. Composite ammonium chloride is used for further analysis of HSHT. Results indicate that HSHT could be a good candidate for the domestic heating in the cold region. Compared with vapor compression heat pump (VCHP), payback period (PBP) of HSHT could be reduced by up to 40%. Under different scenarios, PBPs are in the range from 2.48 year to 4.1 year. Also the levelized costs of heating of HSHT ranges from 20 $·MWh−1 to 46 $·MWh−1 for scenario 1 while the values of 64–133 $·MWh−1 could be obtained for scenario 2 which is up to 35.6% lower than that of VCHP. Carbon emission of HSHT system only accounts for 18% and 11% of that of gas boiler and VCHP, respectively.

Decarbonization of district heating and deep retrofits of buildings as competing or synergetic strategies for the implementation of the efficiency first principle

This paper discusses the compatibility of district heating (DH) networks with deep retrofits of buildings under various European climate conditions and city typologies. The study analyses five cities with different DH market shares, climate zones, population densities, and transferability potentials. First, we have forecasted population, heated floor area, and share of floor area per construction period until 2050, and then calculated three different heat demand scenarios for varying building refurbishment rates of 1%, 2%, and 3% of the total floor area. Second, future suitable DH regions with min 25 GWh/km2 networks were identified. By applying a bottom-up GIS model, based on the type of city area, number of buildings, street length, and heat density, the DH distribution capital and operation costs were calculated. Lastly, to compare the total cost of heat supply for each scenario, the cost of individual heat per building type was calculated.The results show that even in the scenarios with high refurbishment rates of 3%, high percentage of the built-up areas, between 23% and 68% depending on the city typology, are suitable for DH supply in 2050. The share of DH from the total heat supply varies between 49% and 83%. An increase of the DH price between 14% and 35%, depending on the scenario and case study can be expected due to the reduced heat densities compared to the current ones. Nevertheless, maximizing the DH connection rates in the identified regions leads to lower total cost of heat in almost all the analysed case studies.

An inexact multiple-recourse hybrid-fuel management model with considering carbon reduction requirement for a biofuel-penetrated heating system

In China’s goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2060, the blending-biofuel-based heating technique is being used to reduce CO2 and air-pollutant emissions in existing district heating systems in northern China. This brings a series of new system components, complex interactions, and multiple-polymorphic uncertainties to the heating systems, making it difficult for the heating-system manager to improve the traditional fuel management mode while considering the demands of society, economy, policy, environment, and system operation. To address this issue, this study proposes an inexact multi-recourse hybrid-fuel management model for a biofuel-penetrated district heating system (BDHS). The model minimizes the total heating cost by optimizing the biofuel blending ratio, coal and biofuel deficit-recourse pattern among different heating sources, and selecting the optimal CO2 reduction mode under uncertainties. An application of the model to a BDHS case in Dalian City shows that the 5% biofuel blending ratio is suitable for both main heating sources and that the 0 deficit of high-quality coal can be up to [2.48, 2.69] × 103 tonne with the “cold-degree” changing from “mild” to “cold”. The results also indicate that the proposed model can ensure biofuels and high-quality coal are not overused or misused, but instead consumed responsibly. Additionally, most of the CO2 produced in the pulverized coal boiler is traded, while most of the CO2 sourced from the circulating fluid bed boiler is treated by the chemical absorption equipment. Finally, the model reveals that a high system cost (up to [84.73, 96.83] × 106 CNY) and low CO2 emission (down to [66.13, 78.07] × 103 tonne) can be obtained at a high thermalization coefficient through the tradeoff analysis.

Painted Wood Climate Risk Analysis by the HERIe Model of Building Protection and Conservation Heating Scenarios in Norwegian Medieval Stone Churches

HERIe was used to model the effect of changes to indoor climate on the risk of humidity-induced mechanical damage (cracking and plastic deformation) to wooden panels painted with stiff gesso in two Norwegian medieval stone churches: Kinn (mean relative humidity (RH, %) = 79%) on the humid west coast, and Ringsaker (mean RH = 49%) in the drier eastern part of the country. The risk involved in moving cultural heritage objects (paint on wood) between the churches and a conservation studio with more “ideal”, stable conditions was also modeled. A hypothetical reduction in RH to ~65% and, proportionally, of the climate fluctuations in Kinn, and an increase in the RH in Ringsaker to a more stable value of ~63% via conservation heating, were found to improve (Kinn) and uphold (Ringsaker) the conformity to relevant standards and significantly reduce the risk of damage, except in the scenario of moving objects from Ringsaker to a conservation studio, when the risk would increase. The use of conservation heating could save ~50% of the heating cost. The estimated risk reductions may be less relevant for objects kept in situ, where cracks in the original paint and gesso have developed historically. They may be more relevant when moving original objects away from their proofed climate into a conservation studio for treatment.

Configuration method for combined heat and power plants with flexible electricity regulation

A net-zero emissions target has been set as the long-term climate goals by many countries and regions. Efficient utilization of renewable energy is an essential way to solve energy and environmental problems. China needs to change its fossil-based energy mix and achieve a deep low-carbon transition in the energy sector. The future development of thermal power plants is focused on improving the power peak-shaving capacity while ensuring a heating supply with economical and feasible methods. This study presents a reasonable evaluation model to analyze different cogeneration plant power peak shaving modes. It proposes an optimal configuration method for combined heat and power generation plant power peak shaving systems by combining their characteristics and applicability. The basic principle of this method is that the most profitable mode for each power peak-shaving depth must be selected to achieve the best overall economic benefit of the system. The absorption heat pump waste heat recovery method, the electric heat pump waste heat recovery method and the electric boiler method are suitable for bearing the base load, waist load and peak load of the power peak shaving, respectively. The analysis results of influence economic factors show that as the heating price of the alternative heat source increases, the electric heat pump waste heat recovery method assumes a larger capacity for power peak shaving. When the heating price of alternative heat sources is 30 yuan/GJ (about the heating cost of a coal-fired boiler) and 100 yuan/GJ (about the heating cost of a gas-fired boiler), the electric heat pump waste heat recovery method should bear the depth peak-shaving demand with the duration higher than 360 h and 110 h respectively.

Keep out the cold: An analysis of potential gaps in fuel poverty policies in Ireland

Fuel poverty in Ireland is a significant issue faced by almost a quarter of the population as per government statistics. In this study, we analyse fuel poverty data in Ireland between 2008 and 2020 using the Irish subset of EU SILC data. We find that the increase in the proportion of households receiving Fuel Allowance and the decrease in the proportion of poor-quality dwellings have a significant positive impact on the decline in aggregate fuel poverty experienced. We also analyse a sample of low-income households that experience fuel poverty and compare groups that are targeted by official policies with others on key indicators. We find that the existing supports normally target lower-income households who live in energy-inefficient dwellings and are of retirement age. We also find that non-targeted larger urban families who live in rented or mortgaged dwellings experience significant fuel poverty due to difficulty paying bills. We identify some gaps in the current policies that target fuel poverty. We propose that fully funded energy efficiency retrofits and social transfers for vulnerable households to help with the cost of heating, which are policies already used in Ireland to target fuel poverty, should be expanded to effectively reach a cohort of the population that is facing challenges to keep warm.

Zero emission /energy building heating through parabolic dish collector focused KNO3–NaNO3 and KNO3–NaNO3–NaNO2 PCM absorber: A case study

Globally During the winter of the year, having a warm place to stay is a necessity, especially true in mountainous regions. Electric heating and biomass burning are the most common methods for this purpose. However, solar PV-based electric heating is a sustainable way to eliminate the cost of heating, which requires more panels and a large floor area. Alternatively, a solar thermal system is used for building heating during the winter season. But the effectiveness and duration of heating support depend on the system's features and the researchers' efforts to maximize them. This research aims to develop a zero-emission/energy-building heating system with a PCM. The influence of PCM choice is validated experimentally to maximize winter heating. Solar parabolic dish collectors (14 sq. m) with two distinct PCM embedded absorbers, such as KNO3–NaNO3 and KNO3–NaNO3–NaNO2, were considered for the investigation to optimize the PCM for the best performance with respect to building heating. The experimental results reveal that the KNO3–NaNO3 PCM outperformed by exhibiting a higher heat transfer rate than the PCM of KNO3–NaNO3–NaNO2. Hence the maximum output water temperature was recorded as 94 °C, and the quantity of heat transfer was 6273 W. The system's energy efficiency was 50.6%, and the exergy was 5.99% with the absorber, which embedded KNO3–NaNO3 PCM. It was found that the black coating decreased heat loss from the absorber's surface, and net heat transfer to the absorber was improved significantly.

Simulation and Majorization of Multi-source Relatively Complemented Heating System Based on TRNSYS

In order to make up for the shortcomings of solar energy, ground source heat pump as well as air source heat pump during heating, a new multi-complementary heating system with three heat sources is proposed. Take the Tumeteyouqi item as the object of study for program devise and load simulation on the basis of the set scheme, and TRNSYS hybrid heating system is established. The main parameters of the air source heat pump and the solar collector are optimized, and the hooke-Jeewes and Coordinate descent optimization algorithms are used to optimize the annual value of system costs, and the two algorithms are compared. Results are included the Collector area of 80m2, the Collector of 42.1875 ° inclination, Azimuth Angle of 10°. The unit area is homologous and the volume of the water box is 0.10125. The capacity of the water tank is 8.1 m3, and the heat quantity of the air source heat pump is 286200kj/h. The system reaches the optimum, and the annual value of the heating cost is reduced by 3.8%. Then the supply heating cost is reduced by 4.96%. The Hooke-Jeewes algorithm is superior to the Coordinate descent algorithm.

Green buildings model: Impact of rigid polyurethane foam on indoor environment and sustainable development in energy sector

The construction and building industry in the modern world heavily relies on advanced techniques and materials such as polymers. However, with the world's population alarmingly increasing, contributing to the greenhouse effect, and severe weather conditions amplifying, it has become crucial to reduce the heat effects in both new and old buildings. To achieve this, 50–70% more energy is necessary, which highlights the importance of energy-efficient construction practices and materials. Consequently, a comprehensive study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Polyurethane in indoor environments and energy conservation. Current study was performed due to an innovative application of insulation materials as to reduce the heat and energy costs in construction works. Thermal conductivity at mean temperature 35 °C was found 0.0272 (W/m K) with maximum in burnt clay brick (1.43 W/m K) by using hotplate apparatus. Specific heat was also found less 0.85 (KJ/Kg K) at density 32 kg/m3 while results were at par in reinforcement cement concrete and burnt clay brick 0.91, 0.91 (KJ/Kg K) respectively. Similarly, heat transmittance values of different roof sections by using polyurethane insulation showing satisfaction the ECBC in Buildings deviating standard U-value 1.20% to 0.418 (W/m2 K) with its excellent performance. Polyurethane treatments have been found to exert a significant impact on the computation of thermal resistance and overall heat transfer coefficients. In contrast, non-insulated treatments yielded inconclusive results with little to no significance. This highlights the importance of insulation materials in energy-efficient construction practices. Energy consumption in winter and summer also has shown the significant impact by using polyurethane application with cumulative saving of 60–62% electricity. Economic Benefit of polyurethane in RCC and Conventional buildings describes positive and highly significant impact in present study. Application of polyurethane in new and old buildings ultimate enhanced the better quality of life and living standards from people of applied countries and is strongly recommended for future prospects and endeavors as Eco-friendly and energy efficient for sustainable development.

Experimental Performance and Cost-Effectiveness of a Combined Heating System under Saharan Climate

The solar water heater can be integrated into future residential buildings as the main energy source, which will subsequently reduce the energy cost of water heating. An original configuration for an efficient Domestic Hot Water (DHW) storage tank is developed and experimentally evaluated under Saharan climate. This novel DHW configuration includes a hybrid (solar and electric) energy system with a flat plate solar collector coupled with an electric heater. Additionally, a phase change material (PCM) mixture that is composed of paraffin wax and animal fat with a melting temperature between 35.58 °C and 62.58 °C and latent heat between 180 and 210 kJ/kg is integrated into this novel tank configuration. The experimental results indicated that hot water production by using latent heat storage could be economically attractive. By evaluating the cost of water heating expressed in Algerian dinar per liter (DZD/L), it was found that one liter of hot water may cost around 0.1362 DZD/L (i.e., 0.00096 USD/L) compared to 0.4431 DZD/L for the conventional water heater, an average energy cost savings of 69.26%. On a yearly basis, the average energy cost savings may reach up to 80.25% if optimal tilt for the solar collector is adopted on a monthly basis. The flat plate collector may be vulnerable to convective heat transfer; therefore, other solar collectors, such as vacuum tube collectors, may provide enhanced energy performance.

Can grid-tied solar photovoltaics lead to residential heating electrification? A techno-economic case study in the midwestern U.S.

This study aims to quantify the techno-economic potential of using solar photovoltaics (PV) to support heat pumps (HP) towards the replacement of natural gas heating in a representative North American residence from a house owner’s point of view. For this purpose, simulations are performed on: (1) a residential natural gas-based heating system and grid electricity, (2) a residential natural gas-based heating system with PV to serve the electric load, (3) a residential HP system with grid electricity, and (4) a residential HP+PV system. Detailed descriptions are provided along with a comprehensive sensitivity analysis for identifying specific boundary conditions that enable lower total life cycle cost. The results show that under typical inflation conditions, the lifecycle cost of natural gas and reversable, air-source heat pumps are nearly identical, however the electricity rate structure makes PV costlier. With higher rates of inflation or lower PV capital costs, PV becomes a hedge against rising prices and encourages the adoption of HPs by also locking in both electricity and heating cost growth. The real internal rate of return for such prosumer technologies is 20x greater than a long-term certificate of deposit, which demonstrates the additional value PV and HP technologies offer prosumers over comparably secure investment vehicles while making substantive reductions in carbon emissions. Using the large volume of results generated, impacts on energy policy are discussed, including rebates, net-metering, and utility business models.

Burden of the global energy price crisis on households

The Russia–Ukraine conflict has triggered an energy crisis that directly affected household energy costs for heating, cooling and mobility and indirectly pushed up the costs of other goods and services throughout global supply chains. Here we bridge a global multi-regional input–output database with detailed household-expenditure data to model the direct and indirect impacts of increased energy prices on 201 expenditure groups in 116 countries. On the basis of a set of energy price scenarios, we show that total energy costs of households would increase by 62.6–112.9%, contributing to a 2.7–4.8% increase in household expenditures. The energy cost burdens across household groups vary due to differences in supply chain structure, consumption patterns and energy needs. Under the cost-of-living pressures, an additional 78 million–141 million people will potentially be pushed into extreme poverty. Targeted energy assistance can help vulnerable households during this crisis. We emphasize support for increased costs of necessities, especially for food. The Russia–Ukraine war triggered an energy crisis that affected the cost of many goods and services. Guan et al. model the direct and indirect impacts of increased energy prices across expenditure groups and countries, finding temporary increases in total household energy costs of 63–113% under different scenarios.

Simulation and Exergoeconomic Analysis of a Trigeneration System Based on Biofuels from Spent Coffee Grounds

Biofuels have become a source of renewable energy to offset the use of fossil fuels and meet the demand for electricity, heat, and cooling in the industrial sector. This study aims to (a) develop a simulation of a trigeneration system based on a gas turbine cycle and an absorption chiller unit, using biomass and syngas from spent coffee grounds (SCGs) to replace the conventional system currently supplying the energy requirements of an instant coffee plant located in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and (b) carry out an exergoeconomic analysis of the simulated system to compare the effects of different fuels. The results showed an increase in the exergetic efficiency from 51.9% to 84.5% when using a trigeneration system based on biomass instead of the conventional non-integrated system. Furthermore, the biomass-based system was found to have the lowest operating costs ($154.7/h) and the lowest heating, cooling, and power costs ($10.3/GJ, $20.2/GJ, and $23.4/GJ, respectively). Therefore, the results of this analysis reveal that using SCGs as biofuel in this instant coffee plant is feasible for producing steam, chilled water, and power.