Thermodynamic and Thermoeconomic Investigation of a Multi-Generation Energy System Utilizing Solar and Biomass as Energy Sources

In this study, an inventive multi-generation energy system utilizing solar and biomass energy as a complementary fuel are proposed and analyzed, by means of a thermodynamic and thermoeconomic investigation. For supplying electricity, heating and cooling power, a Rankine cycle including a turbine, a heater and a double effect absorption chiller, for liquefaction of natural gas, a Linde-Hampson cycle, for desalination of sea water, a multi-effect desalination system, for solar energy exploitation, a parabolic Trough solar collector and for combustion of biomass, a burner is utilized. Results outline that, the studied system has potential to generate 16.11kW electricity, 28.94 kW heating power, 23.41 kW cooling power, 8.8 kg/h fresh water and 0.02 m^3/h liquefied natural gas with the energy and exergy efficiencies of 46.8 %, 11.2%, and product cost rate of 15.16 $/h. A comprehensive modeling is accomplished by applying mass, energy, exergy and thermoeconomic balances to all component of the multi-generation energy system. The investigation becomes more comprehensive with a sensitivity analysis in order to survey the dependency of the thermodynamic and thermoeconomic performance upon the decision variables such as stack gasses temperature, temperature difference of evaporaor1, evaporaor2 temperature and Turbine inlet temperature.