Thermodynamic Analysis of Solar-based Combined Power and Cooling Cogeneration Cycle

The performance of a solar-powered Rankine cycle that combines absorption refrigeration with solar thermal technology is examined in this communication. The research finds regions of irreversibility in the system and takes into account fluctuations in direct normal irradiance (DNI). In order to evaluate the cycle's performance at different DNI levels ranging from 600 to 1050 W/m², the research does a thermodynamic analysis of the cycle. It also assessed the irreversibility of each cycle's distinct parts, which resulted in potential performance-enhancing actions. Furthermore, the central receiver contributes 31.37% irreversibility to the cycle's exergy distribution, the heliostat contributes 27.4%, and other components like the HRSG, steam turbine, and VARs contribute the rest amounts. Only 25.43% of the cycle's energy production is useable.