Optimization of a novel solar-based multi-generation system for waste heat recovery in a cement plant

This article presents a novel renewable-based multi-generation energy system. The system is based on a double effect absorption chiller, an ejector refrigeration cycle, a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, an amine-based CO2 capture system, an organic Rankine cycle, and a heater. The proposed integrated system is fueled by a biomass combustor, a photovoltaic thermal solar panels, and a waste heat recovery from a cement plant located in Abyek, Iran. This innovative configuration of energy system can produce electricity, cooling, heating, and hydrogen in summer and winter modes, in addition to removing CO2 from the flue gas of the cement plant. The system is analyzed in energetic, exergetic and thermoeconomic terms. The performance of the system is investigated parametrically by examining the effect of variation of selected key parameters. To perform comprehensive modeling, the system is assessed thermoeconomically through estimating unit cost of each product and total cost rate of the product. Finally, single and multi-objective optimizations are performed by an evolutionary algorithm and illustrated on a Pareto frontier in order to achieve the optimum scheme of the multi-generation system regarding technical and economic viewpoints. According to the results, the studied integrated system produces 17.4 MW and 18.4 MW electricity in summer and winter, 4.1 MW heating power, 1.2 MW cooling power, 5.8 kg/h and 11.3 kg/h hydrogen in summer and winter. Moreover, the system captures 234.1 kg/s CO2 with 90% removal factor from the cement plant. The result of the optimization indicates in winter product cost rate of the Combined Cooling, Heating and Power (CCHP) subsection can reduce 24%. However, in summer for a 0.47% increase in product cost rate, the exergy efficiency is capable of increase by 39%. (C) 2019 Published by Elsevier Ltd.