Thermoeconomic Optimization of a Polygeneration System Based on a Solar-Assisted Desiccant Cooling

This paper presents a thermoeconomic analysis of polygeneration system based on solar-assisted desiccant cooling. The overall plant layout supplies electricity, space heating and cooling, domestic hot water, freshwater for residential building. combines photovoltaic/thermal collectors, photovoltaic panels, biomass boiler coupled with reverse osmosis air conditioning. was modeled in TRNSYS simulated 1 year. A parametric study defined the system’s setup. optimization determined set parameters that minimize simple payback period. optimal structure showed total energy efficiency 0.49 solar collectors 0.16 panels. coefficient performance conditioning 0.37. Finally, sensitivity analyzed influence purchase electricity natural gas costs sell-back price system. optimum 20.68 years; however, increase cost can reduce it by up to 85%.