Energy and economic analysis of trigeneration application in an industrial facility using natural gas

In this paper, a trigeneration system that can meet the electricity, heating and cooling needs for a factory in Bursa is introduced. The trigeneration system consists of a gas engine to produce electrical power, a single effect absorption chiller that uses LiBr/H2O as a working fluid for process cooling, and heat exchangers for heating. The capacity of gas engines has been determined in different scenarios to meet the highest and lowest electricity demand. The waste heat generated during these processes will be used with maximum efficiency in various parts of the factory. In this facility application, the investment and operating costs of the trigeneration system were determined, system feasibility was made, and payback periods in different shifts were determined for alternative scenarios. It has been observed that increasing the number of shifts to the highest possible degree has a positive effect on shortening the payback period. Payback period is 2.62 years, 7.37 years, 4.07 years, 7.93 years, 2.90 years and 3.08 years for scenarios 1,2,3,4,5 and 6, respectively, in case of working in 3 shifts at the factory. In the 2nd, 3rd and 4th scenarios, there has been a great increase in the investment cost with the inclusion of the electricity storage system. This increase has led to an increase in the payback period. The results of the study show that if working in 3 shifts for each scenario, high efficiency, good financial return and the trigeneration system provide a good alternative to the traditional system.