Master slave game-based optimization of an off-grid combined cooling and power system coupled with solar thermal and photovoltaics considering carbon cost allocation

Analogously to power trading models used by electricity companies, the implementation of an energy retailer can address the trading challenges experienced by end-users with decentralized energy consumption patterns. This research develops an off-grid solar-gas energy system to fulfill the cooling and power needs of buildings. Upon creating thermodynamic models, an innovative energy trading mechanism is introduced through an energy retailer, followed by the application of a master-slave optimization method aimed at maximizing participants' profits while incorporating carbon trading and demand response strategies. Through a case study and comparison of four different scenarios, the findings demonstrate that integrating solar thermal and electrical systems leads to the highest profitability, with the energy system's revenues remaining below 10%. The study determines the maximum selling prices for cooling and electricity as 0.231 $/kWh and 0.232 $/kWh, respectively, and highlights that varying carbon allocation rates have minimal effects on user profits. This work sheds light on the sustainable progression of distributed energy systems and presents motivating implications for a diverse audience interested in such advancements.