Title: 3E modelling of multi generation system using solid state devices including solar power assisted geothermal and thermal power plants

Authors: Bishnu N. Mahapatra; Prasanta Kumar Das; Sudhansu S. Sahoo

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, 721302, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, 721302, India ' School of Mechanical Sciences, Odisha University of Technology and Research, Bhubaneswar, 751029, India

Abstract: In the present study, a multigeneration system was proposed, integrating solar parabolic trough collectors (PTC), steam Rankine cycles (SRC), thermoelectric generators (TEGs), organic Rankine cycles (ORC), geothermal systems, and vapour absorption refrigeration system (VARS) using solar and geothermal heat. Thermodynamic modelling, including energy, exergy, and exergonomics, was conducted to evaluate power generation efficiency, energy efficiency, and energetic costs across various operational parameters. Parameters such as solar intensity, PTC inlet temperature, boiler pressure, and figureofmerit were employed in this analysis. Seven thermal fluids were analysed, with liquid sodium demonstrating superior performance and costeffectiveness compared with other heat transfer fluids. The inclusion of TEG provided better performance under fixed input conditions compared with systems without TEG.

Keywords: solar collectors; thermoelectric generators; multi-generation; energy; exergonomics; high temperature fluids.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEX.2026.155475

International Journal of Exergy, 2026 Vol.50 No.3, pp.189 - 210

Received: 18 Nov 2025
Accepted: 06 Feb 2026
Published online: 03 Aug 2026 *

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