Multi-objective optimization design and operation strategy analysis of a solar combined cooling heating and power system

In order to improve the energy efficiency and achieve the purpose of energy saving and pollutant emission reductions, a solar combined cooling heating and power (CCHP) system which integrated traditional CCHP system driven by gas engine with the utilization of solar energy was presented in this paper. The energy flow and operation strategy of the system were analyzed. Based on the life cycle assessment (LCA), the equipment capacity and operation strategy were optimized to achieve the maximum energy, environment and economic benefits in comparison to separation production (SP) system. An office building in Beijing was selected as a case to obtain the optimal design and operation mode for different objective functions. The results indicate that the comprehensive performances of the solar CCHP system are better than that of the SP system. Moreover, when the system operates following the electricity loads its economical and environmental benefits are good. While when the system operates following the thermal loads its energetic benefits are powerful. © 2012 Chinese Society for Electrical Engineering.