Thermodynamic analysis of a novel combined cooling, heating and power system driven by solar energy

A novel combined cooling, heating and power system (CCHP) driven by solar energy is proposed. The system applies an organic Rankine cycle, a double effect lithium bromide-water absorption refrigeration system, and heat exchangers to generate electricity, cooling and heating, respectively. Energy and exergy analyses are conducted to determine system efficiencies and losses. The cycle is compared with similar combined cycle that differs by using a cooling subsystem having a single effect absorption chiller. The effects of some key thermodynamic parameters on the performance of the cycle are examined. The results reveal that, for the same amount of input heat, the usage of a double effect absorption refrigeration system instead of a single effect absorption chiller can raise the amount of cooling power up to 48.5% and consequently can improve the performance of the system. At the same time, heating power rises by 20.5%, resulting in an increase in the cogeneration heat and power efficiency to 96.0%, while net electrical power production declines by 27%. In addition, it is determined that a high exergy destruction rate occurs in the solar collectors. (c) 2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd.