Analysis of Heat-Driven Cooling Production Coupled to Power Generation for Increased Electrical Yield

In striving for sustainable energy systems, the development of advanced technologies for combined heat and power generation is a critical factor. In many regions of the world there is a demand for heating only during a small part of the year and the yearly peak of power demand often occurs during the cooling season. Hence, the concept of trigeneration, i.e. the combined generation of power, heat and/or cooling is of great interest when it comes to obtaining a high yearly overall efficiency. In this paper, system studies are used to evaluate different types of trigeneration systems and the potential for an increasing electrical yield. The trigeneration systems consist of different types of gas engines coupled to different types and numbers of absorption chillers. The concepts are compared with regards to: the potential for increasing the overall electrical yield for a plant; cost-effectiveness; and environmental impact in terms of avoided CO₂. Results indicate that the use of a humidified gas engine coupled to absorption chillers is a cost-effective and environmentally promising method to increase the electricity yield of a power cycle.