Journal of Shandong University(Engineering Science) ›› 2026, Vol. 56 ›› Issue (5): 192-200.doi: 10.6040/j.issn.1672-3961.0.2026.020

• Mechanical, Energy and Power Engineering • Previous Articles    

Thermo-economic analysis and optimization of a solar-driven polygeneration system

Ma Bingyu1, Guo Lei2, Rong Fanhua3, Sheng Xuerou3, Hou Yuehua3, Yuan Xueliang3*   

  1. Ma Bingyu1, Guo Lei2, Rong Fanhua3, Sheng Xuerou3, Hou Yuehua3, Yuan Xueliang3*(1. Jinan International Airport Construction Co., Ltd., Jinan 250101, Shandong, China;
    2. School of Statistics and Mathematics, Shandong University of Finance and Economy, Jinan 250014, Shandong, China;
    3. School of Nuclear Science, Energy and Power Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, Shandong, China
  • Published:2026-10-19

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Abstract: A solar-driven multi-generation system was proposed to achieve efficient and sustainable integrated energy supply for large-scale public infrastructures, such as airports. The system employed a parabolic trough solar collector(PTSC)to harvest solar energy for driving a transcritical carbon dioxide cycle(TRCC), and was further integrated with a liquefied natural gas cold energy utilization module to enhance overall system performance. Through multi-energy coupling and energy cascade utilization, the system enabled the coordinated production of electricity, cooling, and heating. A comprehensive evaluation of the system was conducted from the perspectives of energy, exergy, and economic performance, and a multi-objective optimization framework combining backpropagation neural networks, the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II, and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution was applied. Results indicated that under design conditions, the power generation efficiency, energy efficiency, and exergy efficiency reached 9.015%, 35.56%, and 11.22%, respectively, with a payback period of 2.923 a. The PTSC subsystem was identified as the primary contributor to exergy destruction and cost. Parametric analysis showed that TRCC cycle parameters, heat transfer oil mass flow rate, and solar irradiance significantly affected system performance and economic feasibility. After multi-objective optimization, the energy efficiency and exergy efficiency increased to 38.10%, and 13.30%, respectively, while the payback period was reduced to 2.645 a. The proposed system demonstrated strong potential for providing clean and efficient integrated energy supply to large public buildings such as airports.

Key words: solar energy, large-scale public buildings, polygeneration system, thermo-economic analysis, multi-objective optimization

CLC Number: 

  • TK01+9
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