Performance comparison and investigation of two different renewable energy fueled multigeneration systems

Abstract

In this study, the comprehensive thermodynamic, exergoeconomic and environmental performance of two multigeneration systemsfuelled by biomass and solar energy is surveyed. The multigeneration system A utilizes municipal solid waste and solar energy to produce power, heating, cooling, fresh water, and hydrogen which is considered to be located in the north of Iran with a moderate climate. Whereas, the multigeneration system B consumes bagasse and solar energy to supply power, heating, cooling, liquefied natural gas, and freshwater which is assumed to be located in the south of Iran with a hot climate. The results of the study show thatsystem B provides better performance from a thermodynamic viewpoint with energy and exergy efficiencies of 82.45% an d 15.75%. Mo reover, according to th e ou tputs of exergoeconomic modelling, system B presents better performance because of lower capital costs. Finally, environmental profit is attained by accomplishing system B because of avoiding 1.14 million tons of NOx and 0.31 million tons of CO2 depletion to the atmosphere per year. In the end, through conducting a parametric study, the effect of key parameters on the thermodynamic, economic, and environmental performances of two systems is discussed.