Exergoeconomic Analysis and Optimization of a Biomass Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle Based on Externally Fired Gas Turbine, Steam Rankine Cycle, Organic Rankine Cycle, and Absorption Refrigeration Cycle

Abstract

Adopting biomass energy as an alternative to fossil fuels for electricity production presents a viable strategy to address the prevailing energy deficits and environmental concerns, although it faces challenges related to suboptimal energy efficiency levels. This study introduces a novel combined cooling and power (CCP) system, incorporating an externally fired gas turbine (EFGT), steam Rankine cycle (SRC), absorption refrigeration cycle (ARC), and organic Rankine cycle (ORC), aimed at boosting the efficiency of biomass integrated gasification combined cycle systems. Through the development of mathematical models, this research evaluates the system’s performance from both thermodynamic and exergoeconomic perspectives. Results show that the system could achieve the thermal efficiency, exergy efficiency, and levelized cost of exergy (LCOE) of 70.67%, 39.13%, and 11.67 USD/GJ, respectively. The analysis identifies the combustion chamber of the EFGT as the component with the highest rate of exergy destruction. Further analysis on parameters indicates that improvements in thermodynamic performance are achievable with increased air compressor pressure ratio and gas turbine inlet temperature, or reduced pinch point temperature difference, while the LCOE can be minimized through adjustments in these parameters. Optimized operation conditions demonstrate a potential 5.7% reduction in LCOE at the expense of a 2.5% decrease in exergy efficiency when compared to the baseline scenario.