Exergoeconomic performance optimization for a combined cooling, heating and power generation plant with an endoreversible closed Brayton cycle

Finite time exergoeconomic performance of a combined cooling, heating and power generation (CCHP) plant composed of one endoreversible closed Brayton cycle and one endoreversible four-heat-reservoir absorption refrigeration cycle is investigated by using finite time thermodynamics. Heat conductance distribution among hot-, cold-, thermal consumer-, generator-, absorber-, condenserand evaporator-side heat exchangers and compressor pressure ratio are optimized by taking the maximum profit rate as objective. Numerical examples show that there exists a sole group of optimal heat conductance distribution among hot-, cold-, thermal consumer-, generator-, absorber-, condenserand evaporator-side heat exchangers and an optimal compressor pressure ratio which lead to the maximum profit rate. The effects of design parameters on the optimal performance of the CCHP plant are discussed. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.