Energy, exergy and thermoeconomic analysis of a combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) system with gas turbine prime mover

In this paper energy, exergy and thermoeconomic analysis of a combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) system has been performed. Applying the first and second laws of thermodynamics and economic analysis, simultaneously, has made a powerful tool for the analysis of energy systems such as CCHP systems. The system integrates air compressor, combustion chamber, gas turbine, dual pressure heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) and absorption chiller to produce cooling, heating and power. In fact, the first and second laws of thermodynamics are combined with thermoeconomic approaches. Next, computational analysis is performed to investigate the effects of below items on the fuel consumption, values of cooling, heating and net power output, the first and second laws efficiencies, exergy destruction in each of the components and total cost of the system. These items include the following: air compressor pressure ratio, turbine inlet temperature, pinch temperatures in dual pressure HRSG, pressure of steam that enters the generator of absorption chiller and process steam pressure. Decision makers may find the methodology explained in this paper very useful for comparison and selection of CCHP systems. Copyright (C) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.