Design and 4E analyses of a novel concentrated solar power sourced multigeneration system using thermochemical cycle, steam Rankine cycle, heat pump and multistage flash distillation as a bottoming cycles

This paper focuses on a novel solar-based multigeneration system designed for the city of Iskenderun in Hatay. The system consists of five subsystems to produce hydrogen, freshwater, electricity and domestic hot water: Solar power tower system, UT-3 thermochemical cycle, steam Rankine cycle heat pump and multi-stage flash distillation system. The system performance was examined by using energy, exergy, economic and environmental analysis methods. The effects of monthly average solar direct normal irradiance and ambient temperature on the energy and exergy efficiencies of the system designed throughout the year were investigated. As a result of the calculations, it was found that the change of solar direct normal irradiance year-round did not affect energy efficiency. But exergy efficiency increased towards the summer months. The solar power tower system subsystem caused the maximum energy destruction in the system. The average energy and exergy efficiency of the designed multigeneration system year-round were calculated as 37.82% and 36.6%, respectively. Outputs of the system were increased in the months of high direct normal irradiance. The payback period of the designed system was found 5.8 years. Thanks to the system, a reduction of 122,617 tons of CO2 emissions was achieved throughout the year.