Hydrogen, Fuel Cell & Energy Storage

Hydrogen, Fuel Cell & Energy Storage

Thermo-Economic Analysis of a Geothermal-based Multigeneration System Using the Kalina Cycle for Power, Heating, Cooling, Hydrogen and Freshwater Production

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Urmia, Iran
10.22104/hfe.2025.7588.1356
Abstract
This study presents an in-depth thermodynamic and economic evaluation of a hybrid geothermal energy system utilizing Kalina cycle technology for multipurpose power generation. The system is designed to produce electricity and heating while supplying cooling, hydrogen, and freshwater. The integrated system reaches a total energy efficiency of 47.6\% and an exergy efficiency of 44.2%. Raising the high pressure setting in the Kalina cycle to 4900 kPa reduces the exergy destruction cost rate to $1486.49/h, the total cost rate to $2464.12/h, and the capital investment rate to $922.12/h, compared to the base pressure of 4000 kPa where these rates were $1912.08/h for exergy destruction and \$3084.00/h for total cost and $1171.92/h for capital investment. The exergetic assessment shows Turbine 2 and the Compressor as the main contributors to system exergy destruction, with outputs of 2545.33 kW and 2353.09 kW, respectively. At a rate of 0.1524 kg/h the system establishes two operational capabilities: hydrogen production and a cooling output of 3498 kW. The research indicates that the combined multigeneration system enhances resource utilization ofgeothermal energy by maximizing energy efficiency and decreasing operational costs.
Keywords
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