A comprehensive thermodynamic modeling, feasibility, and optimization study of a renewable energy powered system for sustainable cold chain applications − Cooling, power, heating, and green hydrogen production

• Hybrid renewable energy driven system proposed for the entire fish chain application. • R717 and n-Octane-n-Pentane are efficient working fluids for VCRS and ORC plants. • The plant was optimized to produce 5 tons of refrigeration and 31 kg of hydrogen per day. • The proposed system offers 17.6% efficiency, $ 20/day carbon offset , 2.76-years payback. • A techno-economic feasibility study was conducted to transport fish across various cities in India. Sustainable supply chain management, especially in downstream distribution, is crucial for reducing environmental impact. As consumer awareness of sustainable food supply grows, food distribution systems must enhance their environmental performance while maintaining economic competitiveness. In India’s fish distribution system, a capacitated distribution network within a two-layer supply chain is proposed, focusing on minimizing CO 2 emissions and distribution costs through sustainable multi-objective optimization. A hybrid renewable energy-powered fish chain application is introduced, covering storage, drying, transportation, and cold chain functions. The system is optimized at three levels: thermal design of energy resources, total hybrid energy consumption, and selection of environmentally friendly working fluids. Implemented in tropical India’s high fishing grounds, it uses solar thermal via parabolic trough collectors and biomass seaweed boiler at non-sunshine hours. The coastal plant features a cascade organic Rankine cycle, a multi-temperature fish cold storage system, and a PEM green hydrogen production system for truck operations. The system achieves an energy efficiency of 17.6 %, exergy efficiency of 9.3 %, and reduces CO 2 by 2 tons per day, with a feasible payback period of 2.76 years. This research offers insights for transitioning from traditional, energy-intensive methods to renewable energy-powered alternatives, enhancing sustainable fish transportation globally.