Energy and Exergy Analysis of a Combined Cooling Heating and Power System with Regeneration

Abstract

Solar assisted trigeneration system has proved to be a potential method in generating power with net zero carbon emissions. The present work aims to address the potential ways to improve the efficiency of the solar energy-integrated carbon dioxide trigeneration system. A regeneration integrated combined cooling, heating, and power system is proposed. With a comprehensive thermodynamic model, the proposed system is simulated for various operating conditions. A component-level exergy analysis is also conducted to estimate the total irreversibility of the system. As the gas cooler exit temperature increases, the overall system irreversibility also increases. When the bleed mass is 20% of the total mass, the system has the lowest energy destruction rate. The potential component that contributes most to system irreversibility is the gas cooler, followed by the regenerator and expansion valve. The proposed system with regeneration yields 29% more COP than the conventional system when operating at lower compressor discharge pressure and a gas cooler exit temperature of 34 °C. It is inferred from the obtained results that to reduce the total irreversibility of the system, it is advised to operate the system at a lower compressor discharge pressure and gas cooler exit temperature.