Multi-objective optimization and multi-aspect analysis of an innovative geothermal-based multi-generation energy system for power, cooling, hydrogen, and freshwater production. (15th April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Kun; Ding, Yi-Zhe; Ai, Chen; Sun, Hongwei; Xu, Yi-Peng; Nedaei, Navid
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 245(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-04-15
• Subjects: Geothermal energy -- Innovative heat recovery -- Multi-generation -- Multi-objective optimization -- Sensitivity analysis; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2022.123198
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: Considering the feasibility of geothermal wells employed worldwide in the energy sector, this study was motivated to examine a novel multi-generation system devised to enhance the feasibility of flash-binary geothermal systems through innovative heat recovery in five stages. Accordingly, the main system consists of a flash-binary geothermal cycle, an ejector refrigeration cycle, a Kalina cycle integrated with another ejector refrigeration cycle, a humidification dehumidification desalination unit, and a low-temperature electrolyzer. Due to the five stages of innovative heat recovery, this system achieved a cost-effective and efficient design framework, introducing it as a high-quality alternative for stand-alone flash-binary geothermal cycles. To study the feasibility of the proposed system, a sensitivity analysis based on energy, exergy, and exergoeconomic concepts was employed. Moreover, the genetic algorithm in different multi-objective optimization scenarios was implemented to reach stable and high-efficiency products. According to the obtained results, the capability of the system to produce electricity, cooling, freshwater, and hydrogen are calculated to be 782 kW, 881.6 kW, 0.286 kg/s, and 0.181 kg/h, respectively. Also, in the exergy-cost optimization scenario, the system's optimum exergy efficiency and sum unit cost of products were obtained to be 46.44% and 3.98 $/GJ, respectively based on LINMAP decision-making method. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: A novel multi-generation system devised based on a flash-binary geothermal system. Five stages of heat recovery are considered for uttermost utilization of energy. Energy, exergy, and exergoeconomic analyses were considered for system evaluation. The system yielded 0.286 kg/s and 0.181 kg/h of freshwater and hydrogen, respectively. In the exergy-cost optimization scenario, the optimum exergy efficiency was 46.44%.