Parametric assessment of a solar-driven combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) plant in Libya

Abstract

This study presents a parametric assessment of a solar-driven combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) plant designed for power, cooling, and heating production under the climatic conditions of Tripoli, Libya. The proposed configuration integrates a solar-assisted regenerative Brayton cycle as the topping cycle, a regenerative organic Rankine cycle (ORC) for additional power generation, a single-effect LiBr–H2O absorption refrigeration system for cooling production, and a heat recovery unit for useful hot-water generation. The system is evaluated from energy, exergy, exergoeconomic, and environmental perspectives to determine its thermodynamic performance, cost effectiveness, and potential contribution to sustainable energy production. The base-case results show that the Brayton cycle produces 5023 kW, while the ORC contributes 1291 kW, resulting in a net power output of 6314 kW. The system also provides 2892 kW of cooling and 613.2 kW of heating, with an overall energy utilization factor of 67.3% and an overall exergy efficiency of 45.31%. The absorption refrigeration subsystem achieves a coefficient of performance of 0.807. The economic results indicate a total product cost of 23.44 $/MWh and a net electricity cost of 23.85 $/MWh, while the normalized CO2 emission is 1.42 kg CO2/MWh. Parametric results reveal that increasing the Brayton pressure ratio improves net power output and exergy efficiency but reduces heating capacity and increases specific CO2 emissions. Increasing the ORC turbine inlet temperature slightly enhances power output, efficiencies, and economic and environmental performance. Overall, the proposed solar-driven CCHP plant demonstrates promising potential for sustainable multigeneration applications in Libya and similar solar-rich regions with high cooling demand.