Performance assessment and multi-objective optimization of an organic Rankine cycles and vapor compression cycle based combined cooling, heating, and power system

In this study, a biomass powered combined cooling, heating, and power system based on the organic Rankine cycles and the vapor compression cycle has been presented for small scale developing and underdevelopment communities. The system consists of an M-Xylene organic Rankine cycle as the prime mover capable of delivering 100 kW of electricity. Meanwhile, Isobutane vapor compression chiller is powered by an R245fa organic Rankine cycle. This organic Rankine cycle is powered by the residual heat from the biomass fuel. The cooling and the heating capacities of the system, as well as the overall system exergy destruction rate and the overall heat capacity of the heat exchangers were evaluated against the boiler and condenser saturation temperatures of the organic Rankine cycles and the vapor compression chiller. The system can deliver as much as 30 kW of cooling and 528 kW of heating at various combinations of parameters. The multi-objective optimization considering the Genetic Algorithm was also carried out. The system exergy destruction rate and the heat capacity of the heat exchangers at the optimum point were found to be 177 kW and 15.11 kW/K, respectively.

Automated summary

In this study, a biomass powered system combining cooling, heating, and power generation is developed using organic Rankine cycles and vapor compression cycles to meet the needs of small-scale developing and underdeveloped communities. The system can provide cooling and heating with various parameter combinations and has been optimized for increased efficiency.