Design and Evaluation of a Novel Solar-Driven Sustainable Polygeneration System Based on H2O-LIBR Working Fluid.
Abstract
This study presents the theoretical design and simulation of an innovative absorption-based solar-assisted cogeneration cycle (SACC) that produces electricity in two stages by sequentially valorizing internally recovered waste heat. The proposed configuration integrates a Type III absorption heat pump in cascade with a regenerative Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC). Operated with low-temperature thermal sources, the system facilitates solar integration and clean energy utilization. Low-GWP working fluids are employed: H₂O–LiBr for the absorption subsystem and R-1233zd(E) for the ORC. Steady-state simulations were performed to assess the system’s energy, exergy, and environmental performance, considering key parameters such as mass flow and pressure ratios, condensation temperatures (25–35 °C), and activation temperatures (120–190 °C)— ranges that are readily achievable with solar technologies such as evacuated tube, CPC, or parabolic trough collectors. At a refrigerant mass flow rate of 1 kg/s, the SACC delivers firstand second-stage power outputs of up to 1,400 kW and 3,400 kW, respectively, along with a thermal recovery of 10,904 kW (Q̇A) and exergy efficiencies of 0.67–0.70. The results confirm the feasibility of this sustainable alternative, which enhances waste-heat recovery, improves overall efficiency, and significantly reduces CO₂ emissions. Under equivalent operating conditions, the SACC achieves an estimated 40,583 metric tons of CO₂ reduction, compared with only 10,638 tons for the reference regenerative cycle (RRC or ORC). When normalized per unit of thermal energy supplied, the SACC attains 1.83 tCO₂eq per kWsupply avoided, whereas the RRC and ORC reach only 0.48–0.47 tCO₂eq per kWsupply, respectively—representing a 3.8-fold improvement in avoided emissions per unit of useful energy. Beyond its technical merits, the concept exhibits strong potential for hybrid solarthermal applications in industrial and district energy systems, representing a promising pathway toward nextgeneration cogeneration technologies aligned with global decarbonization goals.
Keywords
Solar thermal energy, cogeneration systems, H 2 O-LiBr absorption cycle, exergy efficiency, Sustainable Energy Conversion