Multi-objective optimization and exergoeconomic analysis for a novel full-spectrum solar-assisted methanol combined cooling, heating, and power system

A novel full-spectrum solar-assisted methanol combined cooling, heating, and power system was pro-posed. This system realizes the solar energy full-spectrum utilization in the hybrid solar energy device. A multi-objective optimization model with exergoeconomic analysis using energy-level based cost allo-cation was proposed to improve the comprehensive performance of the system. The heat storage ratio and supplemental heat ratio are defined to transfer the off-design annual operation conditions to the design parameters. The solar water heating area ratio as a structure variable of the hybrid solar energy device is optimized to improve the integrated performance of energy, economy and environment. The optimization results indicate that the comprehensive performance is best when the solar water heating area ratio is 0.5. Compared to the reference system, the unit exergy cost of total products increased by 49.0 %, whereas the primary energy is saved by 22.6 %, and the carbon dioxide is reduced by 70.6 %. The annual energy and exergy efficiencies are improved by 15.9 % and 17.3 %, respectively, and the collected solar energy is increased by 37.6 %. The sensitivity analysis demonstrates that the carbon dioxide emission, primary energy consumption, and unit exergy cost of total products are positively correlated with supplemental heat ratio and heat storage ratio. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study introduces a novel full-spectrum solar-assisted methanol combined cooling, heating, and power system to improve comprehensive performance through optimization of energy efficiency, economics, and environmental impact. Results show that the comprehensive performance is optimal when the solar water heating area ratio is 0.5.