Optimal operation and economical analysis of a trigeneration system

Distributed generation is a great way to diversify the Brazilian power matrix. Considering that cogeneration systems are distributed generation, and Brazilian buildings have need of cooling, due to the warm weather, the use of cogeneration equipped with an absorption or adsorption chiller could be beneficial. The trigeneration system is a high efficient process, which can produce electricity, heating and cooling from the same primary energy source. This paper will optimise the operation and, consequently, find the dimension of a trigeneration system to a fictitious hospital, located in Brazil. The investment will be compared to the traditional system, and it will be evaluated via equivalent annual cost, internal rate of return and payback.