Thermoeconomic optimization of three trigeneration systems using organic Rankine cycles: Part II – Applications

In this part II of the study, three new trigeneration systems are examined. These systems are SOFC-trigeneration, biomass-trigeneration, and solar-trigeneration systems. This study reveals that the maximum trigeneration-exergy efficiencies are about 38% for the SOFC-trigeneration system, 28% for the biomass-trigeneration system and 18% for the solar-trigeneration system. Moreover, the maximum cost per exergy unit for the SOFC-trigeneration system is approximately 38 $/GJ, for the biomass-trigeneration system is 26 $/GJ, and for the solar-trigeneration system is 24 $/GJ. This study reveals that the solar-trigeneration system offers the best thermoeconomic performance among the three systems. This is because the solar-trigeneration system has the lowest cost per exergy unit. Furthermore, the solar-trigeneration system has zero CO2 emissions and it is based on a free renewable energy source.

► Three new trigeneration systems (SOFC-trigeneration, biomass-trigeneration, and solar-trigeneration systems) are thermodynamically examined and assessed.
► The overall exergy efficiency for the SOFC-trigeneration system becomes the highest.
► The maximum costs per exergy unit for the SOFC-trigeneration system is approximately 38 $/GJ.
► The solar-trigeneration system offers the best thermoeconomic performance.