Economic analysis and optimization design of a solar combined cooling heating and power system in different operation strategies

The economic benefits of building cooling heating and power (BCHP) system are closely dependent upon its design and operation strategy. In this paper, a solar BCHP system which integrates solar facilities with traditional BCHP system is proposed to reduce the operation energy cost. The energy flow and operation strategy of the novel system are analyzed. Relative payback period (RPD) is employed to evaluate the cost saving potentials of BCHP systems in FEL and FTL operation modes with respect to SP system. A case study of the solar BCHP system for a commercial office building in Beijing in China is applied to evaluate the economical feasibility of the solar BCHP system. Then the capacities of energy equipments are optimized to obtain the optimal system economical performances during its life span. The results show that when the solar BCHP system operates in FEL operation strategy, the optimal economic benefits can be achieved.