Hydrogen, Fuel Cell & Energy Storage

Hydrogen, Fuel Cell & Energy Storage

4E Analysis of a Geothermal-Based Multigeneration System

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Hanaa Kadhim Kareem Alsabahi
Majid Abbasalizadeh
Ata Chitsaz
Morteza Khalilian
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
10.22104/hfe.2025.7613.1359
Abstract
This study aims to assess a new geothermal multisource energy system upon a comprehensive 4E framework of the Energy, Exergy, Economic, and Environmental aspects. The system integrates numerous technologies for energy conversion and use, which includes an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) coupled with a Thermoelectric Generator (TEG), a Single-Effect Absorption Chiller (SEAC), a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM). A distinct benefit of the system is its use of a TEG instead of the usual condenser, allowing waste heat to be converted into extra electricity via the Seebeck effect, thus enhancing the efficiency of energy conversion without using extra power. The multigeneration system is designed to produce electricity, heating, cooling, hydrogen and freshwater which makes it perfect for regions endowed with geothermal resources and various energy demands. The simulation results demonstrating a comprehensive thermodynamic simulation indicate that the system has 66.42% energy efficiency and 77.12% exergy efficiency. According to the exergoeconomic analysis, the overall capital and the maintenance cost expended is mostly driven by the turbines and geothermal unit, although optimization possibilities can be made within heat exchangers and condensers. The optimization of the heat recovery and design of cultural thermal solutions can not only reduce energy losses but also increase performance and benefit the overall costs, ensuring thermal efficiency. In general, activity environment index of the system 0.03206 corresponds to minimal direct ecological disturbance, and its exergy sustainability coefficient is 0.0711, which points out the possibility of further enhancement of sustainability. This geothermal setup is poised excellently as an efficient, sustainable and multipurpose energy solution as per results.
Keywords
4E analysis
Geothermal energy
Polygeneration systems
TEG
Environmental study
Subjects
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Hydrogen, Fuel Cell & Energy Storage
Volume 13, Issue 3
Summer 2026
Pages 195-208