INTEGRATED SOLAR TRI-GENERATION SYSTEMS: A MULTI-CRITERIA THERMO-ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF COMBINED ORGANIC RANKINE, ABSORPTION REFRIGERATION, AND KALINA CYCLES

The globalimperative for sustainable energy solutions necessitates innovative approaches to meet the escalating demands for power, heating, and cooling with reduced environmental impact [1, 6]. Tri-generation systems, which simultaneously produce electricity, heat,and cooling, offer a highly efficient pathway for energy utilization. When coupled with renewable energy sources such as solar thermal, these systems present a compelling alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based systems. This article presents a multi-criteria thermo-economic analysis of advanced solar-driven tri-generation systems. Specifically, it investigates configurations incorporating an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) for power generation, a bottoming absorption refrigeration cycle for cooling, and a Kalina cycle for enhanced power output from lower-grade heat. The study comprehensively evaluates these integrated systems from energetic, exergetic, and economic perspectives, considering various working fluids and operational parameters. The analysis highlights the synergistic benefits of these combined cycles in terms of improved overall efficiency and economic viability, while also identifying critical parameters for optimization and decision-making for their practical implementation.