Thermodynamic analyses and case studies of geothermal based multi-generation systems

In this study, energy and exergy analyses of new geothermal energy based multi-generation systems with seven different combinations for practical applications are performed. The systems considered are mainly examined under two distinct main groups for heating and cooling periods. In this regard, detailed work flow charts and tables are prepared for each energy system studied. Energy and exergy analyses are conducted, and their respective efficiencies are determined for the whole systems and their components. These efficiencies are then compared for performance assessment and cleaner production. Improvement potentials for every system component and the overall system are calculated and compared. Four performance-related parameters, namely energetic renewability rate, exergetic renewability rate, system energetic reinjection rate and system exergetic reinjection rate are investigated. The analysis results show that overall system energy and exergy efficiency are increased by 3.40 and 1.12 times for cooling season and about 4.25 and 1.25 times for heating season, as compared to the single power generating option. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved