Boosting Efficiency in Gas Turbine Cycle-Based Energy Systems: A Breakthrough in Clean Technologies

Researchers from Hakim Sabzevari University in Sabzevar, Iran, have made a significant discovery in the field of ecology and clean technologies. By developing a new gas turbine cycle (GTC)-based tri-generation system, the team has successfully increased the efficiency of energy production while reducing exergy destruction costs. The system, which generates electricity, freshwater, and cooling simultaneously, was analyzed from three perspectives: energy, exergy, and exergoeconomic. The results showed that the use of two waste heat recovery techniques in conjunction with inlet air cooling can significantly improve the system's performance.

Key Takeaways:

• The newly developed GTC-based tri-generation system consists of organic Rankine cycle, thermoelectric generator, reverse osmosis, and absorption refrigeration cycle subsystems.
• The system can generate electricity, freshwater, and cooling simultaneously, with a total cooling capacity used in two parts: user demand and inlet air cooling to the GTC compressor.
• The results of the thermodynamic analysis revealed that the simultaneous use of two waste heat recovery techniques and inlet air cooling reduces exergy destruction costs while increasing energy and exergy efficiencies.
• A three-objective optimization was performed using the TOPSIS method to improve system performance, resulting in a 66.8 kW decrease in exergy destruction rate and a 0.33 $/h reduction in total capital cost rate.
• The optimal performance conditions were found to be at a compressor pressure ratio of GTC 8.795 and a turbine inlet temperature of GTC 1505 K, with a system COP of 0.74, total exergy efficiency of 55.51%, and total product cost rate of 32.28 $/h.

Statistics:

• Exergy destruction rate decreased by 66.8 kW in optimal conditions compared to design conditions
• Total capital cost rate reduced by 0.33 $/h in optimal conditions compared to design conditions
• System COP (coefficient of performance) reached 0.74 in optimal conditions
• Total exergy efficiency reached 55.51% in optimal conditions
• Total product cost rate reached 32.28 $/h in optimal conditions

Sources:

• NewsRx. Findings from Hakim Sabzevari University Yields New Findings on Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy (Modeling and Multi-objective Optimization of a Combined Cooling, Freshwater, and Power System for Gas Turbine Waste Heat Recovery). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. July 4, 2025; p 194.
• Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy. (2025). Modeling and Multi-objective Optimization of a Combined Cooling, Freshwater, and Power System for Gas Turbine Waste Heat Recovery. Springer.