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A novel methodology is proposed for the synthesis of polygeneration systems in tertiary sector buildings with detailed thermal integration. The methodology involves a systematic approach that combines Pinch Analysis, mathematical programming, and the definition of a superstructure with thermal flexibility whereby mass flows can exchange heat in various temperature intervals. With the detailed characterization of the thermal energy flows associated with the thermal energy technologies and services to be supplied to the building, the optimization procedure provides a more realistic system configuration, ensures that thermodynamic principles are satisfied, and allows for synergies and potential benefits to emerge. The methodology is first introduced through a simple example of a gas engine-based energy system, highlighting the necessity of a detailed characterization of the hot and cold flows regarding their quantity and quality levels. Then, the approach is applied to the case study of a Brazilian university hospital that requires electricity, steam, hot water, and chilled water. The optimization is formulated as a multi-period mixed integer linear programming model that minimizes the total annual cost of installing and operating the system using local-based data. The results show the technical and economic interest of deploying cogeneration gas engines to cover electricity and thermal energy services. Besides, a strong synergy is observed between the cogeneration gas engine and the single-effect absorption chiller. Thus, it is demonstrated how a preliminary analysis of thermal integration opportunities must be an integral part of the optimal synthesis of energy supply systems.

This paper develops a multiperiod multiobjective optimization procedure to determine the optimal configuration and operational strategy of a trigeneration system assisted with solar-based technologies and thermal energy storage. The optimization model, formulated as mixed integer linear programming problem, incorporates dynamic operating conditions through time-dependent local climatic data, energy resources, energy demands, electricity prices, and electricity CO 2 emission factors. The methodology is applied to a case study of a residential building in Spain. First, the single-objective solutions are obtained, highlighting their fundamental differences regarding the installation of cogeneration (included in the optimal total annual cost solution) and solar-based technologies (included in the optimal total annual CO 2 emissions solution). Then, the Pareto curve is generated, and a decision-making approach is proposed to select the preferred trade-off solutions based on the marginal cost of CO 2 emissions saved. Additionally, sensitivity analyses are performed to investigate the influence of key parameters concerning energy resources prices, investment costs, and rooftop area. The analyses of the trade-off solutions verify the enormous potential for CO 2 emissions reduction, which can reach 32.3% with only 1.1% higher costs by displacing cogeneration in favor of the heat pump and the electric grid. Besides, with a modest cost increase of 7.3%, photovoltaic panels are incorporated, promoting an even greater CO 2 emissions reduction of 45.2%.

The development of high-efficiency energy systems is a pressing issue nowadays, motivated by economic, environmental, and social aspects. Trigeneration systems allow for the rational use of energy by means of appropriate energy integration and provide greater operational flexibility, which is particularly interesting for buildings, often characterized by variable electricity, heating, and cooling demands. The benefits of trigeneration systems can be enhanced by the incorporation of thermal energy storage (TES), which decouples production and consumption. This paper analyses the operation of a simple trigeneration system including TES. The optimal operation is obtained by a linear programming model that minimizes the total variable cost. A thermoeconomic analysis based on marginal cost assessment of the internal flows and final products of the system is carried out, allowing to explain the optimal operation of the system and the role of the TES in achieving the optimal solution. The analysis unravels the marginal cost formation process, presenting a clear route from the final products obtained to the resources consumed. This information can aid the design of new plants, the retrofit of existing ones, and the operational management to achieve the minimum operational cost.

The present paper tackles the issue of allocating economic costs in trigeneration systems including thermal energy storage (TES) for buildings of the residential-commercial sector. As energy systems become more and more complex (multiple resources, products and technologies; joint production; TES) the issue of the appropriate way to allocate the cost of the resources consumed arises. This is important because the way in which allocation is made directly affects the prices of the products obtained and, thus, the consumers' behaviour. Thermoeconomics has been used to explain the cost formation process in complex energy systems. In this paper, two issues in thermoeconomics that have not been deeply studied are addressed: (i) the joint production of energy services in dynamic energy systems; and (ii) the incorporation of TES. A thermoeconomic analysis of a simple trigeneration system including TES was performed and the hourly unit costs of the internal flows and final products were obtained for a day of the year. The cost allocation proposal considered that the cogenerated products must share the benefits of the joint production. Regarding the TES, the interconnection between charging and discharging periods was explored, allowing the discharged energy flow to be traced back to its production period.