Performance evaluation on a novel combined cool/heat and power (CCP/CHP) system integrating an SOFC-GT plant with a solar-assisted LiBr absorption cooling/heating unit

• Published in: Energy (Oxford) 2023-11, Vol.283, p.129102, Article 129102
• Main Authors: Tan, Luzhi, Chen, Changnian, Gong, Zhiqiang, Xia, Lijiang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cooling; Gas turbine; Heating; Solar-assisted LiBr absorption cycle; Solid oxide fuel cell
• ISSN: 0360-5442
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2023.129102

Motivated by the demand for a balanced electricity and heat/cool output, as well as by the recent increasing interest on the SOFC-GT based microgrid that incorporates renewable energies, this study aims at the presentation of an “all-round” CCP/CHP system based on the integration of a modified SOFC-GT plant with a novel solar-assisted LiBr absorption unit. The SOFC-GT plant, fuelled with the natural gas (NG), allows a relative independent operation of the GT from the SOFC, and can operate with a comprehensive variable-load strategy. The SOFC-GT plant exhaust and the solar hot water, the two different heat sources, attain a perfect thermal match in the proposed double-effect LiBr absorption cycle. Performance of the proposed system is investigated through building a complete system-level mode. Results of the performance investigation are presented in terms of baseline state data and operation efficiency maps which are accompanied by a well-informed discussion on related findings. The results also represent a satisfactory completion of the research objective. •A comprehensive variable-load operation SOFC-GT plant was proposed.•A novel solar-assisted LiBr absorption cycle was presented.•System performance was simulated through building a system-level model.•Baseline state data and operation efficiency maps of the system were presented.