Comprehensive 4E evaluation of an innovative multi-generation system driven by biomass fuel based on integration of GT-SCO2-TCO2-PEME-PEMFC

Considering the increasing need for multi-generation systems with renewable energy sources worldwide and their positive impact on the economy and environment, many researchers have been involved in the design and analysis of these systems. To this end, this study analyzed an innovative and practical multi-generation system powered by biomass fuel from energy, exergy, economy and environment viewpoints. This system includes a modified gas turbine cycle, a supercritical CO2 cycle, a trans-critical CO2 cycle, a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer (PEME) and a proton membrane fuel cell unit (PEMFC). The main purpose of this research is to investigate the effects of different types of biomass fuels (wood, municipal solid waste, paddy husk and paper) on the performance of the system. This system uses its maximum capacity to produce electricity, heat and hydrogen. A fuel cell unit is used to consume hydrogen, which increases electricity production. Under basic conditions, the energy and exergy efficiencies are obtained 48.96 % and 32.13 % respectively, the hydrogen production capacity is 2.648 kg/h and the biomass consumption in the cycle is 0.061 kg/s. From the economic point of view, the levelized cost of electricity of the system is 60.32 $/MWh and the amount of carbon dioxide emission is 0.5804 t/MWh. By using municipal solid waste for input fuel, the exergy efficiency has increased to 33.03 %.