Thermodynamic analysis of a solar-hybrid trigeneration system integrated with methane chemical-looping combustion

Chemical-looping combustion (CLC) that occurs without reacting air and fuel is a promising technology for achieving CO2 capture with a low energy penalty and without additional energy consumption. This paper proposed a solar-hybrid trigeneration system based on methane CLC to produce electricity, chilled water for cooling, and hot water. CaS and CaSO4 are the cycle materials of the CLC, and the reduction reaction in the CLC is driven by solar thermal energy. The thermodynamic performances of the new CLC trigeneration system, including energy and exergy efficiencies, are analyzed and compared on the basis of design conditions and variable parameters, respectively. The results indicate that the optimal solar heat collection temperature is approximately 900 °C, the pressure ratio of the air compressor is 20, and the energy and exergy efficiencies reach 67% and 55%, respectively. The output ratios of the three products vary with the solar collection temperature and pressure ratio. Meanwhile, the net SCLC-to-exergy efficiency and the saving rate of the solar collection area are expected to be 24% and 63%, respectively.