Design optimization of a novel cryo-polygeneration demonstrator – technoeconomic feasibility study for a tropical climate in Singapore

Abstract

Decentralized polygeneration systems can provide multiple energy services for urban districts like universities and hospitals, with several energetic, economic and environmental benefits. However, deciding the right design or optimal capacities for such integrated multi-energy sources would require sophisticated modelling and optimization techniques. Furthermore, several design parameters and timevarying loads and weather conditions influence the performance of polygeneration systems. This study investigated the effects of renewables, storage units and time-varying loads (electricity, heat and cold) on the performance of a cryo-polygeneration system expected to be installed in 2022 at the NTU campus located in Singapore. Diverse design scenarios were analyzed to study the effect of critical components such as absorption chiller, cold storage and solar PV units with energy storage. The optimal design capacities derived confirms higher efficiency and economic performance than the reference system, i.e., generating the power and heat and power separately. The results are of great interest to academia and industry and contribute significantly to developing an efficient and cost-effective energy storage polygeneration system.