Integrated systems for trigeneration and district energy: modelling, optimization and improvement

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The integration of systems for trigeneration, i.e., the simultaneous production of heat, cool, electricity, with district energy permits advantageous provision of electrical, heating and cooling services for communities, regions and countries. Although applications of systems with some of these attributes (e.g., cogeneration, district energy) exist or are planned, comprehensive integrated systems are presently not widespread. This lack of use is attributable, in part, to a poor understanding of the behaviour and performance of such systems over all operating conditions. The complexity of such systems and their operation makes essential research on these areas as well as the development of tools for proper assessments. The proposed research aims to address these needs. The objectives are to improve and optimize existing and planned designs for integrated trigeneration-district energy systems. The appropriate optimum will be based on efficiency, economic and environmental conisderations. The use of alternative energy resources will be considered, along with measures to reduce emissions and to enhance efficiency, using advanced methods such as exergy analysis. The scope of the research program includes other factors such as reliability and safety. The approach utilized will involve thermodynamic component and systems modelling and simulation, including energy as well as heat and fluid flow aspects. Optimization routines will be developed, incorporating multiple objectives and constraints. Alternative technologies will be considered, such as advanced absorption chillers. Case studies of retrofits and potential new systems will be examined. The proposed research will yield various benefits and greatly impact the engineering of energy and building systems, by leading to improved/optimal designs for trigeneration-district energy systems and increased applications, to better understanding of the behaviour of such systems, to the provision to society of heating, cooling and electrical services with enhanced efficiency, economics and reduced environmental behaviour, and to expanded economic growth and employment in this sector of Canada's economy.