A modular solar thermal power system integrating cooling, heating and power generation (CCHP)

In order to improve the efficiency of solar thermal power (STP) systems, a modular system integrated cooling, heating and power generation (CCHP) is proposed and introduced in this work. This modular CCHP system can simultaneously provide 10kW electricity, -15～5℃ coolant and 60℃ hot water to meet the requirements of cooling, heating and power consumption in a general family or other fields. The conceptual design of the modular system is introduced, based on which the performance of the system at given conditions is primarily simulated and discussed. The results show that when the output electricity power and the efficiency of power generator are respectively constant, the overall efficiency of the system operating at CCHP mode is 3.08 times that of the system operating at STP mode. Thus, the thermal energy loss mode can be tremendously reduced. Furthermore, the methods of utilizing the exhausted vapor energy and the effects of vapor parameters on the performance of the system are primarily discussed. It is found that the overall efficiency of the system decreases with increasing of the inlet vapor temperature.