Trigeneration and district energy: modelling, optimization and advanced applications

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The integration of systems for trigeneration with district energy can facilitate the provision of electrical, heating and cooling services. Trigeneration is the simultaneous production of three products: electricity, heat and cool, while district energy (DE) includes both district heating and district cooling. Applications for such systems are particularly prevalent in industry and buildings. The benefits of trigeneration and DE include higher efficiency relative to stand-alone processes for electricity, heating and cooling.*******Progress to date indicates that trigeneration and DE are particularly beneficial, but that crucial knowledge gaps exist in terms of optimal trigeneration and DE, and in applying them to buildings, communities and industries. This proposal addresses these needs. The objectives are to enhance energy systems, in terms of efficiency, sustainability, environmental impact and economics, through the effective utilization advanced trigeneration and DE technologies. The main tasks are to 1) extend and develop methods and tools for modelling, analysis and optimization of trigeneration and DE systems plus their applications; 2) develop advanced trigeneration and DE technologies and systems, focusing on environmentally benign and sustainable options, particularly those founded on renewable energy sources; and 3) develop and assess beneficial and optimal ways to integrate trigeneration and DE systems into advanced applications, such as those in industry and buildings. The research will exploit advanced tools such as exergy methods. The scope of the research program includes relevant factors such as sustainability, lifetime, reliability and safety.*******The approach utilized will involve detailed thermodynamic component and systems modelling and simulation, considering energy conversion as well as heat and fluid flow aspects. Advanced optimization routines will be developed, incorporating multiple objectives and appropriate constraints. Alternative technologies will be considered as appropriate. Advanced applications to complex industries and buildings will receive special attention. ******The proposed research will yield numerous benefits and be of great technical significance in the engineering of advanced energy systems and their applications. In particular, the proposed research will lead to improved/optimal designs for advanced trigeneration and district energy systems and increased applications (especially for industry and buildings), and to the provision of heating, cooling and electrical services with enhanced efficiency, economic and environmental behaviour. Additionally, the proposed research will lead to the beneficial training of many HQP by providing many skill sets in engineering in general and energy in particular.******