Assessment of a novel multi-generation solar CPV/T system combining adsorption and organic rankine cycle subsystems

Abstract

Renewable energy based multi-output hybrid systems have a great potential to augment the energy utilization efficiency. In this study, performance evaluation of a concentrated photovoltaic thermal (CPV/T) system coupled with an integrated adsorption-Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system is introduced in which different integration options to produce power, cooling, heating, and desalinated water are mathematically investigated and experimentally validated. The evaporator of the adsorption heat pump is coupled with the condenser of the ORC in order to lower the temperature at which heat is rejected in the ORC leading to higher ORC thermodynamic efficiency. CPV/T using a Fresnel concentrator and multi-junction solar cells with different homogenizer types is investigated to produce electricity and thermal energy at the highest possible temperature that can be used to drive the adsorption system (AD) and ORC. By using antireflective coating in the refractive homogenizer, the optical efficiency is increased to 87.5%. Results showed (i) maximum overall efficiency of 68.47% can be achieved at evaporation temperature of 15 °C in the AD system and (ii) the integrated system can provide electricity of 13.08 kW, potable water of 79.17L/day, cooling power of 2.06 kW or heating power of 0.8 kW using only 38.4 m2 of surface area.