An integrated SOFC-CCHP tri-generation system: Energy, exergy and Exergoeconomic analysis

This research proposes the combination of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and an ammonia-water absorption chiller to simultaneously generate electricity, cooling, and hot water. The efficiency of this integrated energy system is analyzed using energy, exergy, and exergoeconomic methods. The exhaust gases from the SOFC are used to power the generator section of the absorption chiller, where cooling is obtained, and also to produce hot water in a heat exchanger. A mathematical model is developed to evaluate the performance of each subsystem under different operating conditions. The impact of key parameters such as SOFC operating temperature, generator gas temperature difference, and cooling cycle generation temperature on the system's performance is also examined. Results show that the overall energy efficiency and exergy efficiency of the integrated system are 68.76 % and 79.75 %, respectively. Additionally, an exergoeconomic analysis reveals that the unit cost for producing electrical power, hot water, and cooling power in this system are 21.59 cent/kWh , 38.97 cent/kWh , and 5.45 cent/kWh , respectively.