Exergoeconomic evaluation and optimization of a solar-powered polygeneration system producing freshwater, electricity, hydrogen, and cooling

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive exergoeconomic assessment and optimization of a pioneering solar-powered polygeneration system designed for simultaneous production of electricity, cooling, freshwater, and hydrogen, aiming to fill the gap in knowledge about such a polygeneration system. The study employs an advanced methodology to evaluate future improvement methods, considering the system's performance and economic viability. The Specific Exergy Costing (SPECO) method is used for exergoeconomic analysis, and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is preferred to reveal Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) for optimization. As an important conclusion, it is recognized that system modifications should reduce the financing cost while simultaneously increasing the system's lifespan and annual operational time. The most expensive components of the system are the PTC, ORC, and electrolyzer, which are responsible for 51%, 23%, and 18% of the total cost of energy destruction, respectively. Thus, purchase price reduction and improvement in the efficiencies of these units are crucial. Also, considering the exergoeconomic factor (fc) values calculated for the system components, it is necessary to increase the efficiency of the compressor and electrolyzer, which have fc values of 37.37% and 32.1%, respectively, even if it results in higher capital expenditures. Additionally, it should be preferred to reduce the capital costs of the other system components, which have higher fc values in the range of 46.68% and 52.47%, without reducing their efficiencies significantly.