Energy management and life cycle assessment of efficient and flexible trigeneration system for coal-fired power plants

The energy crisis and environmental pollution are exacerbated by economic globalization and product indus-trialization. To improve energy efficiency and reduce air pollution, this research develops an efficient and flexible trigeneration system for coal-fired power plants. The mathematical model is established first, and the accuracy of the subsystem is verified independently. Then, based on equivalent conversion coefficient, zeotropic mixtures types are compared, operating conditions are analyzed, and system performance is discussed. After examining changing trends, under the three modes, the three-objective optimization with the goal of highest performance, lowest capex, and strongest carbon footprint reduction capacity is implemented. Subsequently, the energy management and control are performed, as well as the positive roles of the storage device and dehu-midification system to trigeneration system are discussed. Finally, the benefits and life cycle of the coal-fired power plant after installing the trigeneration system are thoroughly assessed. The analysis results demonstrate that the electricity and thermal efficiency of the coal-fired power plant are risen by 13.63% and 5.86%, with additional cooling, heating, and dehumidification capacities of 16298.2 kW, 36128.9 kW, and 169511.1 kg/h, respectively, and the recovery time is only 5.07 years. This research gives a better understanding of how to overcome high energy loss and serious pollution, and provides a technical guidance for the development of multifunctional trigeneration systems in coal-fired power plants.