Investigating a multi-generational energy system incorporating an OTEC cycle, solar collector, and wind turbine: Six E analysis, including energy, exergy, exergoenvironmental, exergoeconomic, emergoeconomic, and emergoenvironmental

Abstract

In the context of increasing focus on renewable energy due to environmental degradation, population growth, and declining freshwater resources, this study examines a combined power generation and freshwater production system. The feasibility of integrating solar and wind energy systems is assessed using EES software, with sensitivity analysis identifying optimal input parameters for the organic cycle fluid. Results show that increasing solar collector area, solar radiation, pinch point temperature, and wind speed improves performance initially, but leads to higher exergy destruction, environmental impact, and economic costs. Therefore, identifying optimal values for each parameter is essential for overall system optimization. Exergoeconomic and exergoenvironmental analyses indicate that the lowest economic exergy coefficient is associated with closed heater equipment, while the lowest exergoenvironmental factor is linked to the Rankine condenser. The total economic cost, environmental impact, and energy-based cost and impact rates for January are reported as 373.1 ($/h), 2.184 ($/h), 3.962 × 1014 (Sej/h), and 4.022 × 1016 (Sej/h), respectively.