Thermodynamic-exergoeconomic sensitivity examination of the integration potential of a parabolic trough solar field and an innovative trigeneration model, producing electricity, coolant, and distilled water

Solar thermal applications with storage options provide sustainable and eco-friendly energy supply solutions for users, offering an alternative to conventional methods. The primary objective is to develop an integrated process that minimizes irreversibility in response to the losses associated with solar collectors. The present study introduces a novel thermally integrated model for a solar field comprising parabolic trough collectors and a thermal energy storage unit. The integrated model comprises a modified Kalina cycle-refrigeration unit, an absorption heat transformer, and a separation vessel desalination process, generating electricity, coolant, and distilled water. A comprehensive assessment of the integration potential of the entire scheme is performed by evaluating its thermodynamic and exergoeconomic aspects. Furthermore, a thorough sensitivity study is performed on the relative performance criteria. The suggested model demonstrated the ability to produce 66.8 kW of electricity, 177.1 kW of cooling load, and 1.35 kg/s of distilled water. It also exhibits energetic and exergetic efficiencies of 68.1 % and 16.8 %, respectively. The scheme additionally displays a total destroyed exergy rate of 1489.9 kW, with the solar field accounting for the majority contribution at 88.6 %. Besides, the total investment cost is determined at 76.8 $/h, with the solar field contributing 94 % of this amount.