Energy and exergy analyses of a new geothermal–solar energy based system

• A new integrated multi-generation system using geothermal and solar energy is proposed.
• Comprehensive energy and exergy analyses are conducted for system evaluation using detailed parametric studies.
• Energy and exergy efficiencies of the multi-generation system and its subsystems are determined.
• Overall system energy and exergy efficiencies are found to be 69.6% and 42.8% respectively.

This paper deals with a new multigeneration system which is primarily powered by renewable energy, geothermal energy and assisted with solar energy. This multigeneration system consists of a single flash geothermal cycle, heat pump system, single-effect absorption cooling system, thermal energy storage connected with auxiliary steam turbine, hot water system and drying system. The aim of this system is to produce five output commodities; refrigeration for industry, heating air for residential application, hot water for domestic use, drying food and finally electricity. The system is assessed both energetically and exergetically. The overall energy and exergy efficiencies are found to be 69.6% and 42.8% respectively. The effects of changing various system parameters on energy and exergy efficiencies of the overall system and its subsystems are examined accordingly.