Critical review of multigeneration system powered by geothermal energy resource from the energy, exergy, and economic point of views

Abstract

Concerns about greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels have made the use of renewable sources the world's most important energy challenge. Among renewable energies, geothermal energy has a special place due to its sustainable resources and shallow environmental impacts. These energy sources are classified as low-grade thermal energy sources, so they cannot independently provide a high amount of thermal energy. Therefore, extensive studies have been conducted on practical methods of using geothermal energy for multigeneration productions. Studies on geothermal energy-based systems to supply energy to various systems such as chillers, electrolyzers, turbines, and desalination units are reviewed in this study. As the methods, scenarios, and practical possibilities of multigenerational system (MGS) are limited, in this study, while expressing the limitations and problems of these systems, the most critical issues raised in this issue are examined and analyzed, and compatibility, products, Levelized cost of energy, energy and exergy efficiencies, and technical issues are summarized. Also, due to the limitations of geothermal energy sources in recent studies, their combination with other renewable energy sources has been evaluated. Therefore, the classification of studies conducted to combine renewable energy sources with the geothermal system to achieve multigeneration productions is thrown in the last part of this study. The results of the studies show that the combination of geothermal energy with other renewable energy sources is used in 90% of cases to provide heat and cold load and in 10% of cases to generate electrical power. These systems also improve energy and exergy efficiency and economic viability by increasing stability.