Performance analysis of solar-integrated ejector-based CCHP system for a commercial building

• Developed a model of solar based organic Rankine cycle with ejector refrigeration. • Justified the suitability of parabolic trough collector to semi-arid Indian climate. • Revealed solar contribution of 44 % during summer using solar PTC system. • Attained average cooling, heating, and power output of 10.33 kW, 7.6 kW, and 9.28 kW. Buildings significantly contribute to energy consumption due to their high electricity demand. Innovative technologies and operational strategies are developed to enhance building energy needs. The solar integrated organic Rankine cycle with combined cooling, heating, and power system (SORC-CCHP) is a novel technology that replaces fossil fuels with solar energy, generating multiple outputs and enhancing energy utilization efficiency. Parabolic trough collectors (PTC) system efficiently converts solar energy to heat. The present study focuses on thermodynamic analysis and is integrated with an ejector refrigeration system (ERS) for cooling in a commercial building. A transient mathematical model is developed using MATLAB to analyze the system's year-round performance under varying climatic conditions. Using R600a as a working fluid for ORC, the study investigates the performance parameters, including thermal efficiency, solar fraction, entrainment ratio, and CCHP capacities. To enhance performance at lower evaporator temperatures, the primary flow is extracted at the first stage of the ORC turbine expansion. Results demonstrate peak system performance during summer with a solar contribution of 44 %. The maximum monthly average heat absorbed, heating capacity, and power output are 131.9 kW, 7.6 kW, and 9.28 kW, respectively, while the maximum cooling capacity is 10.33 kW. The system reveals the potential for sustainable and efficient energy solutions for commercial buildings, advancing the transition toward cleaner energy technologies.