Tri and polygeneration systems - A review

Cogeneration is one of the methods to improve energy efficiency, reduce energy consumption and control environmental pollution. Downsizing the cogeneration system, improving its overall efficiency and incorporating it for meeting multiple objectives have been the topics of interest in the last three decades. A polygeneration system is a modified version of a cogeneration system, in which more than two objectives (i.e heat, power, cooling, production of energy or fuels) are achieved. This paper discusses the research and developmental activities that have been recently carried out in the area of trigeneration and polygeneration systems.