3E analysis of a solar hybrid CCHP system at a university campus

The U.S. has the potential to install 14 GWe of Combined Cooling, Heating, and Power (CCHP) systems in universities and colleges, but currently has only 2.6 GWe installed. This study analyzes the energy, exergy, and economic performance of a solar hybrid CCHP system on a U.S. university campus. The current system relies on purchased electricity, boilers, and chillers for cooling and heating. The proposed 58 MWe CCHP plant, featuring a gas turbine, sCO₂ Brayton cycle, ORC, and photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, would allow the university to generate its own energy. The energy and exergy efficiencies of the system are 53.15 % and 51.6 %, respectively. The payback period is 2.2 years, with a potential for Energy Return of Investment (EROI) in 4.9 years. The gas turbine constitutes 72 % of the implementation cost, while natural gas consumption significantly impacts the financial performance. Reducing exergy destruction in the combustion chamber, which accounts for 50 % of the total exergy destruction, could further improve the plant’s efficiency and economic viability.