Thermodynamic investigation of a solar-based multigeneration system using Al2O3-Thermonol VP1 nanofluid

Abstract

The system underwent a thermodynamic analysis in this research, focusing on the generation of energy, cooling, heating, hydrogen, and freshwater across multiple generations. The primary energy source for this cycle is a solar parabolic trough collector (PTC). In this solar collector, Al2O3 Therminol VP1 nanofluid is used as the working fluid. The multigeneration system includes the following subsystems: A steam Rankine cycle and an organic Rankine cycle for power production, a double-effect absorption refrigeration system for cooling, a domestic water heater for hot water generation, a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer for hydrogen production, and a reverse osmosis (RO) desalination unit for freshwater production. The ORC cycle will incorporate a thermoelectric generator (TEG) unit instead of a condenser to produce additional power. The system's efficiency is analyzed concerning various factors and nanoparticle concentrations. The findings indicate that the energetic efficiency of the system is 33.81%, while the exergetic efficiency is 23.59%. Additionally, the production rates of hydrogen and freshwater increase with higher nanoparticle volume concentrations and solar irradiation. It was also observed that the coefficient of performance (COP) of the cooling system improves with increasing desorber temperature.