Comparative analysis of CHCP systems based on solar energy

The combined production of heating, cooling and electricity (CHCP) or trigeneration in a grid-connected energy market may become profitable with respect to traditional systems, where electricity, heat, and cooling are produced or purchased separately. Namely, the use of solar energy as a primary energy source can lead to a substantial improvement, overcoming many of the traditional drawback associated with micro-cogeneration and trigeneration. So doing a CHCP system with renewable energy sources is realized, that is an attractive solution for domestic needs, provided that a cost-effective technical solution is available. This paper reviews and compares CHCP system and technologies based on solar energy.