Innovative hybrid multigeneration Structure: Integrating solar-assisted geothermal plant with advanced refrigeration and desalination systems; A case evaluation in Jiangsu, China

The escalating demand for renewable energy sources has prompted a surge in interest. This study introduces a novel hybrid multigeneration configuration comprising a solar-assisted geothermal power unit, a generator-absorption heat exchanger refrigeration cycle, a customized double-effect absorption refrigeration unit, and a humidification-dehumidification desalination subsystem. The performance of this proposed scheme is rigorously assessed through comprehensive thermodynamic and economic analyses, with a focus on a case study in Jiangsu, China, considering seasonal operational modes. The impact of the five key parameters on the performance indexes is investigated. Moreover, a machine learning model is employed to predict the values of exergy efficiency and net present value, using a histogram-based gradient boosting regressor. Results indicate a capital investment of $2,304,275, yielding a net present value of $1,827,068. The system produces a net power output of 799.8 kW, a cooling load of 2286 kW, and a freshwater production rate of 7.62 kg/s. The heater of the desalination unit emerges as the primary source of irreversibility, with an exergy destruction rate of 1190 kW. Exergy efficiency and the payback period at the optimal operating condition stand at approximately 15.93 % and 4.91 years, respectively. Additionally, the application of the machine learning model demonstrates a strong agreement between actual and predicted data, thereby confirming the reliability of the employed machine learning approach.