Tri-generation for industrial applications: Development of a simulation model for a gasification-SOFC based system

Combined Cooling, Heat and Power production (CCHP) systems allow energy production with high efficiencies. An even higher advantage can be obtained by feeding the system with biomass or residues. In the present paper, the development of a simulation model of a CCHP system of 630 kWe size is presented. An ASPEN model has been developed for the simulation of a gasification-SOFC plant with a downdraft gasification process from lignocellulosic biomass. The results of the model have been used to set a model of the whole CCHP system in TRNSYS environment, suitable for dynamic simulations. The model has been applied to an industrial case study, which represents an advancement of the current literature, and different layouts have been evaluated. Such models include not only standard components, such as vapour compression chillers but also advanced thermal chillers. Results showed that the primary energy consumption using a CCHP system could be reduced of about 15 GWh/y (50% less of a traditional system with separate energy production) with an amount of avoided CO2 emissions of about 5000 t/y.