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Stream/Area:
-
Subject:
-
Paper ID:
IJSREM64882
Volume:
10 |
6 |
Jun 2026
Pages:
1-15
Publication Frequency:
Monthly (12 issues per year)
License:International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management follows the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) License, allowing free use and distribution with proper attribution.
Mechanical engineering Department
Rewa Engineering College, Rewa
Mechanical engineering Department
Rewa Engineering College, Rewa
Mechanical engineering Department
Rewa Engineering College, Rewa
Mechanical engineering Department
Rewa Engineering College, Rewa
Mechanical engineering Department
Rewa Engineering College, Rewa
This study presents a solar-powered trigeneration configuration capable of simultaneously generating electricity, heating, and cooling from a single renewable energy source. The proposed arrangement utilizes a solar power tower as the primary energy supplier and incorporates a cascaded supercritical carbon dioxide Brayton cycle for power generation. To maximize the utilization of available thermal energy, an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) and an Ejector Refrigeration System (ERS) are integrated for waste heat recovery and cooling production. Comprehensive energy and exergy analyses are conducted to evaluate the thermodynamic performance of the integrated system and to determine the locations of major irreversibilities. The simulation outcomes indicate that the system can produce a net electrical output of 12,678 kW while delivering 59.65 kW of heating and 9.99 kW of cooling. The overall energy and exergy efficiencies are found to be 24.56% and 27.76%, respectively, demonstrating effective conversion and utilization of solar energy. Exergy destruction analysis shows that the solar power tower contributes the largest share of total irreversibility, representing nearly 79.31% of the total exergy losses within the system. This finding suggests that improvements in solar energy collection and heat transfer mechanisms can further enhance overall performance. The results confirm that combining advanced power, heating, and cooling technologies within a single solar-driven framework can significantly improve energy utilization and sustainability. The outcomes of this work provide valuable guidance for the development and optimization of next-generation renewable trigeneration systems.
KEYWORDS
The following conclusion have been made: Ø A solar-driven trigeneration system integrating a Solar Power Tower, supercritical carbon dioxide Brayton cycle, Organic Rankine Cycle, and Ejector Refrigeration System was successfully developed and evaluated for simultaneous power, heating, and cooling generation. Ø The proposed configuration effectively utilized high-temperature solar energy in the sCO₂ Brayton cycle, while recovering waste heat through the ORC and ERS, thereby enhancing overall energy utilization. Ø The integrated sCO₂–ORC–ERS subsystem achieved a maximum energy efficiency of 47.88% and exergy efficiency of 62.78% at a direct normal irradiance of 850 W/m² and a compression ratio of 2.4, indicating efficient heat recovery and low thermodynamic losses. Ø The overall plant attained energy and exergy efficiencies of 24.56% and 27.76%, respectively, with performance limitations mainly arising from optical and thermal losses within the solar power tower subsystem. Ø The system generated a net power output of 12.678 MW, together with 59.65 kW of heating and 9.99 kW of cooling, demonstrating its capability for multipurpose energy production. Ø Exergy analysis revealed that the Solar Power Tower was the primary source of irreversibility, contributing approximately 79.31% of the total exergy destruction within the plant. Ø Performance enhancement can be achieved through improvements in receiver design, heliostat-field optical efficiency, and heat exchanger effectiveness, which would reduce exergy losses and increase overall system efficiency. Ø The integration of advanced thermodynamic cycles with concentrated solar power technology offers a sustainable and efficient pathway for combined power, heating, and cooling generation. Ø The results confirm the technical viability of the proposed trigeneration system and highlight its potential to support renewable energy deployment, reduce fossil-fuel consumption, and mitigate environmental impacts.
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Publication Date
6/12/2026
Peer Review Type
Double-Blind Peer Review
Review Rounds: 2
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