Comprehensive assessment of a multi-generation system integrated with a desalination system: Modeling and analysing

A new system for providing multiple outputs from solar energy capture (multi-generation) is proposed. The main objective of the system is to supply electricity, heating, cooling, and water to the residential sectors. The proposed system uses solar energy as its source to integrate two Rankine Cycle, a single effect absorption system, an electrolyser unit and a Reverse Osmosis desalination system. The system employs, as a working fluid, a molten salt, for a parabolic trough solar collector cycle, and Lithium bromide-water as a working fluid in the absorption system. The main objectives of this research are firs to analyze the system through energetic and exergetic, then evaluate the system from environment point of view. The effects of various parameters on the system efficiency and production are evaluated and the results show that the overall energy and exergy efficiencies of the system are 33.52 and 20.69%, respectively. In addition, the results of the environment assessment shows that if the system works in an environment with a lower ambient temperature is more efficient.