The examination of a multi-generation structure powered by a compressed air energy storage system for sustainable power, freshwater, and cooling load

The presented study brings out a novel compressed air energy storage system integrated with a multi-generation system to address fluctuating power demands sustainably. The system incorporates three storage units, solar thermal energy , compressed air , and compressed air heat, designed to support electricity generation , freshwater production via a multi-effect desalination unit , and cooling through an absorption refrigeration cycle. Comprehensive analyses, including energy, exergy, exergoeconomic, and techno-economic evaluations, reveal critical insights into the system's performance and cost-effectiveness. A prolonged charging period decreases round-trip efficiency from 43.96 % to 40.48 % and exergetic round-trip efficiency from 35.74 % to 34.90 %. Extending the discharging period from 3 to 8 h elevates the net present value from 119.71 $M to 138.64 $M while maintaining stable performance. The solar tower demonstrates the maximum exergy destruction rate at 289891.56 kWh, which contributes 28.93 % of the system's total exergy destruction, while the air turbine incurs the maximum exergy destruction cost at 4.94 $M/year. At optimal operation, the system consumes 97.52 GWh of power and delivers 98.32 GWh during discharging, alongside freshwater production of 24.82 kg/s and a cooling load of 8310.73 kW. With a round-trip efficiency of 46.68 % and an exergetic round-trip efficiency of 37.32 %, the system achieves a payback period of 1.74 years and a unit product cost of 22.94 $/GJ, demonstrating its feasibility as a sustainable solution for multi-generation applications. The proposed structure suggests a sustainable solution for integrating renewable energy , stabilizing power grids, and supporting desalination in energy- and water-scarce areas. • Introducing a novel compressed air energy storage integrated multi-generation system • Incorporating solar thermal, compressed air, and heat storage for sustainable energy solutions • Enhancing power grid stability while supporting desalination and cooling applications • Evaluating system performance via energy, exergy, and techno-economic assessments • Optimizing operational strategies to maximize economic feasibility and sustainability