Applied Rheology 2023; 33: 20220146
Research Article
Ebru Kolay Kadıoğlu* and Meral Altınay
Exergy–energy analysis for a feasibility
trigeneration system at Kocaeli University
Umuttepe Campus
https://doi.org/10.1515/arh-2022-0146
received February 08, 2023; accepted March 07, 2023
Abstract: In this study, the feasibility of the trigeneration
system, which is one of the on-site energy production
methods, was determined for Kocaeli University Umuttepe
Campus, exergy and energy analyses were made for each
point of the system and exergy destruction in the lines was
found. The key point of the gains, losses, and efficiency
analyses in the lines are presented with engineering solu-
tions and thermodynamic proofs. The seasonal mathema-
tical models covering the whole of the feasibility of the
trigeneration system were carried out and the energy and
equilibrium equations of the entire system were established.
In addition, energy and exergy analysis, 2nd law efficiency,
coefficient of performance (COP), and thermal efficiency
were calculated for all the systems. The seasonal numerical
analyses of the system have been prepared so that it can
work effectively in two different working disciplines sepa-
rately for summer and winter seasons. Thanks to these
numerical analyses that are mentioned, the seasonal
exergic destructions of the system are found, seasonal
working methods are shown, and working conditions
and operating load values suitable for the current season
are determined. In addition, in the light of the technical
studies mentioned above, both the hourly energy capaci-
ties and hourly consumption values that the university will
produce after trigeneration have been compared by per-
forming separate mathematical models for summer and
winter modes. Thus, it has been aimed to reduce the
energy production costs by selling the excess energy to
the mains. It is for this reason that it is aimed to reduce

* Corresponding author: Ebru Kolay Kadıoğlu, Faculty of
Technology, Energy Systems Engineering, University of Kocaeli,
Umuttepe Campus, Izmit, Kocaeli, Turkey,
e-mail: ebru.kolay@kocaeli.edu.tr
Meral Altınay: Faculty of Technology, Energy Systems Engineering,
University of Kocaeli, Umuttepe Campus, Izmit, Kocaeli, Turkey,
e-mail: meral.altinay@kocaeli.edu.tr
Open Access. © 2023 the author(s), published by De Gruyter.
License.
the energy production costs of the country, to reduce for-
eign dependency to meet energy demand, to present both
a ready to apply feasibility report to investors and a ready
to use design of a medium-sized power plant that will set
an example of trigeneration studies in academic terms. In
today’s practical applications, it is known that the system
efficiency of trigeneration systems can be between 70 and
80%. In the light of the studies, 66% exergic efficiency in
winter, thermal efficiency of 0.87411 with 2.05 MW thermal
capacity, 63% exergic efficiency in summer, COP of 0.82
with 1.5 MW cooling capacity, and 2.02 MWe instanta-
neous electrical power was found in summer and winter.
It was decided that the system could be a facility that is
technically open to development and worth establishing in
the light of the exergic and energetic analyses results
obtained in this study and the exergic system efficiency
comparisons made in the literature. In this study, attention
was drawn to the importance of exergy and energy ana-
lyses in deciding the installation of a trigeneration system,
and it was shown that exergic and energetic analyses
played a key role in the verification of decision mechan-
isms. In order to give an idea for other studies in the lit-
erature, it is aimed to draw attention to the need to perform
seasonal exergy and energy analyses of the designed or
desired trigeneration systems.
Keywords: applied exergy and energy analysis, design
and mathematical modeling in exergy, exergic and energic
efficiencies, seasonal exergy and energy analyses
1 Introduction
Energy, which is the reason for constantly developing
and advancing technological developments and also the
most basic need of human beings, has taken its place at
the highest level in our lives with many different alter-
natives. Considering the energy resources and electri-
city demands in Turkey, Turkey is a dynamic country
among the world countries with its speed in
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
2  Ebru Kolay Kadıoğlu and Meral Altınay
industrialization, increasing energy demands, and
growing economy. With regards to electricity generation,
while Turkey’s installed power was 88,551 MW at the end
of 2018, it reached 91,270 MW at the end of 2019. While
the total consumption of electrical energy in Turkey
was 22630356.02 MW h in February 2019, it increased
to 24213523.12 MW h in February 2020 [1]. While the
cumulative electricity generation in 2020 was mostly
17% with natural gas, the lowest rate was wastes with
2% [2]. In the light of these data, it can be said that the
most important factors affecting energy production are the
inseparable link between energy and economy. Addition-
ally, in Turkey, the natural gas-based supply of electricity
and heating needs and the ineffective use of existing
energy potentials cause us to import a large part of our
energy needs. This situation causes us to be economically
dependent on foreign sources and moves away from the
principle of sustainability in energy supply. For these rea-
sons, it is essential to prioritize energy efficiency and
savings.
Cogeneration and trigeneration systems are energy
efficient production systems that can be called human and
environment friendly working for this purpose. Trigeneration
means triple production as the word illustrates and it is an
added version of the cooling system as an advanced version
of the cogeneration systems. It is the simultaneous produc-
tion of electricity, heat, and cooling with the same fuel input
as in cogeneration systems. In countries with high energy
costs, the use of trigeneration systems is a cost-effective
approach. However, the correct determination of the system
capacity, the correct selection of the system components and
the determination of how the selected system can be oper-
ated at the optimum level are the most important criteria for
the efficient and productive operation of Trigeneration sys-
tems, the basic principle of which is efficiency and energy
saving. In order to achieve all these, it is important to perform
exergetic and energetic analyses of the designed system.
Many academic scientific articles have been pub-
lished and studies have been conducted on energy and
exergy analysis and optimization for Trigeneration and
Cogeneration area. Piacentino et al. [3] studied the Relia-
bility of Optimization Results for Trigeneration Systems
in Buildings, in the Presence of price uncertainties and
erroneous load estimation. This study was very guiding
and helpful academic article. In this study an analysis of the
influence of erroneous estimation of the uncertain energy
loads and prices on the optimal plant design and operation
is proposed. With reference to a hotel building, a number of
realistic scenarios is developed, exploring all the most fre-
quent errors occurring in the estimation of energy loads and
prices. Then, profit-oriented optimizations are performed
for the examined scenarios, by means of a deterministic
mixed integer linear programming algorithm. Çelik and
Kabul [4] carried out energy and exergy analyses by con-
sidering the modeling of a solar energy sourced cogenera-
tion system in their study. It was determined that the col-
lector efficiency of the examined system was 21%, and the
thermal efficiency of the ORC system was 6%. It was deter-
mined that the highest exergy loss in the system occurred in
the parabolic solar collector with 44%. Therefore, it has
been emphasized that improvement on the parabolic solar
collector should be made. The exergy efficiency of the
cogeneration system, which should be concentrated and
also examined, was calculated as 22%. In the article pub-
lished by Aras and Balli [5], exergy and exergoeconomic
analyses applied in a combined heat and power system
with micro gas turbine (MGTCHP) are mentioned. While
determining the exergy consumption and cost of the system,
the exergy and exergy cost balances were found for each
component of the system. According to the results, the
exergic efficiency of the MGTCHP system was 123 kW with
35.80%. In the study conducted by Özgöztaşı [6] the system
was designed with operating loads of 2,000 kW h electricity,
3,284 kW h heating, and 1,221 kW h cooling. The flow dia-
grams of the designed system are explained with the basic
working principles and the sub-units of the whole system
and exergy and energy analyses are examined. According to
this study, the thermal efficiency of the system was calcu-
lated as 49.3%, the electrical efficiency as 43.68%, and the
exergetic efficiency as 47.97%.
Wang et al. [7] carried out performance investigation
of a solar-assisted hybrid combined cooling, heating, and
power system based on energy, exergy, exergoeconomic
and exergo-environmental analyses. In this study, the
energy and exergy analyses with the Sankey diagrams
indicated that the hybrid system achieves annual energy
efficiency of 76.3% and exergy efficiency of 22.4%. Another
work by Wang, is investigation of a Mixed Effect Absorp-
tion Chiller Powered by Jacket Water and Exhaust Gas
Waste Heat of Internal Combustion Engine, Wang and
Wu [8]. A mixed effect absorption chiller (AC), which cou-
ples together single effect and double effect processes, is
investigated to recover these two kinds of waste heat simul-
taneously in this work.
Although many exergy and energy studies have been
carried out in literature, there is no study very different
campuses based on a real case, consumption values
which are under in-dependent working conditions included
in a single trigeneration system. There is no study in the
literature in which the planning and control of such a
system is questioned with seasonal exergetic and energetic
analyses.
 Exergy–energy analysis for a feasibility trigeneration system
Today, it is possible for institutions to maintain their
sustainability by producing their own energy, and it is an
important indicator of development in institutions that
can achieve this. In this study, a trigeneration system’s
exergy and energy analyses were made operational at
optimum level with natural gas and their feasibility has
been studied, in order to meet the electricity, heating, and
cooling needs of all existing buildings such as faculties, med-
ical school, cafeteria, library, service buildings, institutes, and
the rectorate in Kocaeli University Umuttepe Campus.
In this way, the feasibility of using the trigeneration
system in a university campus will be obtained and it is
planned to perform exergetic and energetic analyses for
the design, size, and sustainability of the system in the
campus that produces its own energy in order to facilitate
applications. Using this designed system, the electricity
needs of the campus and the need for heating in the
winter and cooling in the summer will be met by utilizing
the electrical energy produced in the system and/or the
waste heat generated as a result of the cycle. The system
has been dimensioned on the basis of minimizing distribu-
tion and transmission losses [9] and data were recorded
for possible improvement and solution suggestions [10]. In
addition, by determining the working conditions and oper-
ating load values suitable for the season [11], mathema-
tical models for summer and winter modes were developed
separately [12]. In this study, it is aimed to present the
feasibility of a cost-effective, workable, and sustainable
energy source within the university by selling the excess
electricity produced to the mains at the current electricity
unit prices determined by EPDK (Energy Market Regula-
tory Board in Turkey) [13].
In the light of all this, as a result of the existing and
requested energy data and campus explorations, the para-
meters of the system under consideration were decided,
and then the design of the system’s units and equipment
were created in accordance with the supply/demand for
the needs. The performance analyses of the trigeneration
units selected in accordance with the real energy supply/
demands were carried out and interpreted, and the deci-
sion mechanisms on the energetic and exergic efficiencies
created by thermodynamic theories were verified. In this
Table 1: Umuttepe Part 1 and Part 2 energy analysis results and the demanded hourly average energy need values in the designed system
Part Demanded electrical energy
(instant power; kWe)
Umuttepe Part 1 2,500
Umuttepe Part 2 2,500
 3
study, final designed and installed system are verified and
discussed with the highest exergetic and energetic sea-
sonal efficiencies. It was emphasized that performing
exergy and energy analyses and creating mathematical
models to determine the feasibility of installation of the
trigeneration system are the most effective and closest to
the truth method in the decision-making phase of the
establishment of the system in this study.
2 Materials and methods
In this study, the independent demand values are calcu-
lated with the necessary assumptions in order to meet all
the needs at the highest level for the part of Umuttepe
Campus where the faculties and the rectorate buildings
are located and the other part where the hospital and
Faculty of Medicine are located.
In the studies carried out for determining the design
and energy feasibility of the trigeneration system appli-
cation, the possible improvements (revisions) in terms of
thermodynamics in order to maximize the system perfor-
mance and the possibility of increasing the investment
cost of the system, and contrarily, if efforts are made to
keep the investment cost low, the performance of the
system may decrease at the same rate, have also been
taken into account. For this reason, the campus (Part 1)
with 26 buildings such as Kocaeli University, rectorate,
Law, Engineering, etc., and the campus where the hos-
pital and medical faculty are located (Part 2) with dif-
ferent operating conditions are considered independent
of each other. All energy analysis values and calculation
results obtained are given in Table 1.
While determining the optimal working method espe-
cially for use in a trigeneration system, many factors affect
the determination of the very dynamic working regime
such as electricity trading and unit costs determined by
EPDK [13], working conditions and working environment,
city conditions, post-investment maintenance and oper-
ating costs of the units selected in the installed system,
and fuel costs used in the system [14,15].
Demanded useful heating Demanded cooling
energy (kW) energy (kW)
14,000 900–1,000
4,000–4,500 1,300
4  Ebru Kolay Kadıoğlu and Meral Altınay

mains
mains

mains
mains
Thanks to cleverly developed methods, it should be
an improvement in the selected equipment and invest-

Can be purchased from the

Can be purchased from the

Can be purchased from the

Can be purchased from the
ment amounts [16]. A small amount of electricity will be

Can be sold to the mains

Can be sold to the mains

Can be sold to the mains
Can be sold to the mains
Can be sold to the mains

Can be sold to the mains

purchased from the mains thanks to a 2 MW gas engine to
be selected, and in the remaining 8 months, excess elec-
tricity will be sold to the mains with a 100% fully loaded

Not necessary
Not necessary
gas engine [17].

Net electricity produced (2,028 kW h)

In addition, this will allow us to run the power gen-
erator at full load and eliminate any possible loss of cost.
On the other hand, working with a higher engine or capa-
city will not have to manage the budget of the excess

kW h
kW h
kW h
kW h
kW h
kW h
kW h
kW h
kW h
kW h
kW h
kW h
electricity that may occur, and it will not increase the
investment costs of the equipment operating at higher
capacity and will not increase the amortization times
more than it is [11]. At the same time, it is useful to

−391.64

334.94

−168.94
271.99

492.62

−532.62
−99.78
−535.23
14.33

−58.72

330.15

372.11
draw attention to the fact that the gas motor selected

Electricity consumption in 2018 (single meter) for Umuttepe Part 1

with a higher capacity will not work as efficiently as the
one obtained at full load in some months, thus reducing
the effectiveness of the system [18]. As a result, it can be

consumption (kW h)
clearly said that the electrical operating load for part 2,
similar to Umuttepe part 1, can be 2 MW. According to this
information, Tables 2 and 3 clearly show how the elec-

2086.72

2560.62
1693.06
2419.64

2196.94
2563.23
2013.67

1697.85

1655.89
2127.78

1535.38
1756.01
Hourly
trical load should be chosen.
The electrical loads of both parts can be met from the
trigeneration system, which we have made feasible, and
Table 2: Umuttepe Part 1. Net electricity demand (kW) and gains and losses after trigeneration

in the missing parts, 300–500 MW energies can be taken

from the mains, and the excess production can be sold to
Number of days × effective

the mains at the unit prices to be determined by EPDK

[13]. Thus, the electricity to be produced by the selected gas
engine at 2,028 kW h and hourly consumption amounts for
working hours

Umuttepe Parts 1 and 2 sections were compared. The com-

parison is shown in Tables 2 and 3.
All the consumption and production, purchases, and
364

364

364

364
336
378

378

378

378
378

378

sales on a monthly basis are shown in Table 2 (for Part 1) 378

and Table 3 (for Part 2). It is clearly seen from Tables 2
and 3 that the excess production capacities that will be
Effective working

realized, thanks to trigeneration, can also reduce the pos-

sible energy costs.
hours

14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14

3 System description
The system was designed for Kocaeli University Umuttepe
Number
of days

Campus and the piping and instrumentation diagram

(P&ID) was prepared with reference to the layout plans
26

26

26

26
24
27

27

27

27
27

27

27

of the trigeneration system. According to this P&ID, from

line losses to efficiency analyses of all lines and from tech-
Year/month

nical calculations to mathematical modeling of the system

2018/10

2018/12
2018/11
2018/8
2018/6
2018/4

2018/9
2018/2
2018/3

2018/7
2018/5
2018/1

has been detailed over a single module, exactly the same

for both Umuttepe Parts 1 and 2. As a result, a trigeneration
 Exergy–energy analysis for a feasibility trigeneration system  5

Table 3: Umuttepe Part 2. Net electricity demands (kW) are modified with three phase: (a) day time (T1) (06:00–17:00); (b) peak time (T2)
(17:00–22:00); (c) night (T3) (22:00–06:00)

(a) Electricity consumption in 2019 (Three Phase) for Umuttepe Part 2

Day time (T1) (06:00–17:00)

Year/month Number of days Effective working Hourly consumption Net electricity produced (2,028 kW h)
hours T1 (kW h)

2019/1 31 11 1957.98 70.02 kW h Can be sold to the mains

2019/2 28 11 1920.57 107.43 kW h Can be sold to the mains
2019/3 31 11 1854.44 173.56 kW h Can be sold to the mains
2019/4 30 11 1944.93 83.07 kW h Can be sold to the mains
2019/5 31 11 2325.19 −297.19 kW h Can be purchased from the
mains
2019/6 30 11 2457.86 −429.86 kW h Can be purchased from the
mains
2019/7 31 11 2632.44 −604.44 kW h Can be purchased from the
mains
2019/8 31 11 2467.48 −439.48 kW h Can be purchased from the
mains
2019/9 30 11 2177.71 −149.71 kW h Can be purchased from the
mains
2019/10 31 11 1724.21 303.79 kW h Can be sold to the mains
2019/11 30 11 1787.18 240.82 kW h Can be sold to the mains
2019/12 31 11 1762.42 265.58 kW h Can be sold to the mains

(b) Electricity consumption in 2019 (Three Phase) for Umuttepe Part 2

Peak time (T2) (17:00–22:00)

Year/month Number of days Effective working Hourly consumption Net electricity produced (2,028 kW h)
hours T2 (kW h)

2019/1 31 5 1642.16 385.84 kW h Can be sold to the mains

2019/2 28 5 1603.72 424.28 kW h Can be sold to the mains
2019/3 31 5 1533.83 494.17 kW h Can be sold to the mains
2019/4 30 5 1592.66 435.34 kW h Can be sold to the mains
2019/5 31 5 1867.99 160.01 kW h Can be sold to the mains
2019/6 30 5 2122.94 −94.94 kW h Can be purchased from the
mains
2019/7 31 5 2231.02 −203.02 kW h Can be purchased from the
mains
2019/8 31 5 2081.82 −53.82 kW h Can be purchased from the
mains
2019/9 30 5 1714.75 313.25 kW h Can be sold to the mains
2019/10 31 5 1400.33 627.67 kW h Can be sold to the mains
2019/11 30 5 1402.56 625.44 kW h Can be sold to the mains
2019/12 31 5 1466.77 561.23 kW h Can be sold to the mains

(c) Electricity consumption in 2019 (Three Phase) for Umuttepe Part 2

Night (T3) (22:00–06:00)

Year/month Number of days Effective working hours Hourly consumption T3 (kW h) Net electricity produced (2,028 kW h)

2019/1 31 8 1461.05 566.95 kW h Can be sold to the mains

2019/2 28 8 1422.15 605.85 kW h Can be sold to the mains
2019/3 31 8 1364.85 663.15 kW h Can be sold to the mains
2019/4 30 8 1361.57 666.43 kW h Can be sold to the mains
2019/5 31 8 1471.35 556.65 kW h Can be sold to the mains
2019/6 30 8 1545.39 482.61 kW h Can be sold to the mains
2019/7 31 8 1696.41 331.59 kW h Can be sold to the mains
(Continued)
6  Ebru Kolay Kadıoğlu and Meral Altınay

Table 3: Continued

(c) Electricity consumption in 2019 (Three Phase) for Umuttepe Part 2

Night (T3) (22:00–06:00)

Year/month Number of days Effective working hours Hourly consumption T3 (kW h) Net electricity produced (2,028 kW h)

2019/8 31 8 1703.37 324.63 kW h Can be sold to the mains

2019/9 30 8 1329.23 698.77 kW h Can be sold to the mains
2019/10 31 8 1124.67 903.33 kW h Can be sold to the mains
2019/11 30 8 1153.05 874.95 kW h Can be sold to the mains
2019/12 31 8 1280.32 747.68 kW h Can be sold to the mains

system in 1 + 1 module was designed for installation on the 3.1 Exergy losses, exergy, and energy
campus, but in a way to keep transmission and distribu- analysis with 2nd law efficiency of
tion leakages at a minimum level in each campus’s own thermodynamics
site [9,19]. Accordingly, 1 ea. gas motor, 1 ea. multi ABS
chiller, 1 ea. cooling tower, 1 ea. HT heat exchanger, 1 ea. Each of the flow point is taken to be “t”.
LT heat exchanger, 1 ea. HT radiator, and 1 ea. LT radiator Since there are 26 pieces of flow values assigned to
were selected in the facility. the system, there will be as much flow as t1, t2, t3, …. t26.
The P&ID performs preliminary explorations and best Each of the unit is taken to be “i”.
possible determinations for the facility with maximum “i” value sometimes forms a unit with only 2 flows,
effort to minimize transmission and distribution losses sometimes in conjunction with 4 flows, and since there
of the facility and ensure that the facility can operate are 10 units in total in the system, there will be as many
effectively (location, noise. level, distance from living as, i1, i2, i3, ….i10 units.
area etc…) [9,19]. Accordingly, the total destruction exergy of all “i”
In this study, since the 1st law efficiency of thermo- values in the system is formulated with the following
dynamics (conversion efficiency) cannot be taken as the equations (1) and (2):
best possible measure, and because it may cause wrong
10
evaluation of the systems, the 1st law efficiency cannot be (1)
Total destruct exergy = ∑Ėx (kW),
revealed and/or is insufficient [20], and work potentials, i=1
exergy calculations, exergy yields, 2nd law of thermody-
namics yields, and coefficient of performance (COP) ∑Ėxdestruction = Ėxİ 1 + Ėxİ 2 + Ėxİ 3 + Ėxİ 4 + Ėxİ 5 + Ėxİ 6
(2)
values were found [21] for 10 ea. units and 26 ea. flows + Ėxİ 7 + Ėxİ 8 + Ėxİ 9 + Ėxİ 10 (kW) ,
with the most realistic working criteria [22]. The men-
tioned engineering solutions, thermodynamic equilibrium
∑Ėxdestruction = ĖxAfter cooler + ĖxLT Heat exchanger
equations, and mathematical modeling have been made in + ĖxJacket water + ĖxHT Heat exchanger
accordance with thermodynamic assumptions as given + ĖxLT + ĖxHT Cooling tower
Cooling radiator
below:
+ ĖxABS,HT Generator (3)
1) All the systems are under thermodynamic, thermal
and mechanical equilibrium. + ĖxABS Chiller,LT generator
2) The fluid circulating is water and the system is closed. + ĖxABS Chiller evaporator
Its specific heat cp is assumed to be constant.
+ ĖCooling tower (kW) .
3) Pumps, possible frictions, and the other pressure
losses are neglected. Accordingly, each value is defined as given below:
4) The flow is continuous. • Ėxİ1 = ĖxAfter cooler,
5) Dead state temperature and pressure are T0 = 25°C and • Ėxİ2 = ĖxLT Heat exchanger,
P0 = 1 atm (101.325 kPa), respectively. • Ėxİ3 = ĖxJacket water,
6) Kinetic, potential, and chemical energies are neglected. • Ėxİ4 = ĖxHT Heat exchanger,
 Exergy–energy analysis for a feasibility trigeneration system  7

• Ėxİ5 = ĖxLT Cooling radiator, There are 7 ea. units, assigned to 26 ea. flow points
• Ėxİ6 = ĖxHT Cooling tower, and 10 ea. unit elements in the system [23]. The connec-
• Ėxİ7 = ĖxABS,HT generator, tion between units, unit elements, and the flow points are
• Ėxİ8 = ĖxABS Chiller,LT generator, described in Table 5.
• Ėxİ9 = ĖxABS Chiller,evaporator
• Ėxİ10 = ĖxCooling tower.

All the results obtained by applying the equilibrium 4 Results and discussion
equations to all defined points in the system are substi-
tuted in equations (2) and (3) for the 26 flow points In this study, the control and verification of the design
obtained and the total exergy loss is found as given were provided through the exergic and energetic ana-
below: lyses applied for the trigeneration system. This is a
• Ėxİ1 = 5.99 kW, method that has never been tried in the literature.
• Ėxİ2 = 9.88 kW, First of all, the realistic operating loads of the
• Ėxİ3 = 200.50 kW, designed trigeneration system were clarified for electri-
• Ėxİ4 = 43.58 kW, city, heating, and cooling, after the technical visits to
• Ėxİ5 = 6.62 kW, Umuttepe Campus. Cooling unit designs, efficiency and
• Ėxİ6 = 208.45 kW, all engineering calculations, energy and exergy ana-
• Ėxİ7 = 321.29 kW, lyses of the system were made by considering the appro-
• Ėxİ8 = 200.50 kW, priate system design, the compatibility of the selected
• Ėxİ9 = 95.37 kW, parameters with the production consumption values,
• Ėxİ10 = 78.73 kW. availability, and performance values.
Thanks to the Multi ABS chiller in the system, sea-
Exergy destruction for the entire feasibility system, sonal heating and cooling can be adjusted. According to
∑10
i=1 = 1170.96kW is found. this, all flows and units specified in Table 5 and all Ėx
According to the above information, the total exergy values calculated in detail will not be used in all seasons.
losses, loss percentages, and 2nd law efficiencies are In other words, it can be said that the system elements
given in Table 4. The total exergy losses and exergy that create the cooling energy to be obtained in the
loss percentages are given for each defined point in summer season by deactivating some flows and units
Figure 1. 2nd law efficiencies are given for each defined will not be equal to the system elements that should be
point in Figure 2. used in the winter season. Consequently, the Multi ABS

Table 4: Exergy analysis results applied to each point of the feasibility system and 2nd law efficiency findings

Unit Exergy destruction Exergy destruction Exergy 2nd law efficiency of

(kJ/h) (rate) (kW) destruction (%) thermodynamics (%)
(exergy efficiency)

After cooler 21574.08 5.992800 0.51 93.38

LT exchanger 35601.12 9.889200 0.84 89.77
Jacket water 721814.73 200.504092 17.12 61.92
HT exchanger 156914.73 43.587425 3.72 92.16
LT cooling radiator 23845.01 6.623613 0.57 93.38
HT cooling radiator 750451.68 208.458800 17.80 61.89
ABS chiller high temp. 1156674.65 321.298515 27.44 34.52
generator–HTG
ABS chiller low temp. 721814.73 200.504092 17.12 61.92
generator–LTG
ABS chiller evaporator 343340.68 95.372412 8.14 33.16
ABS chiller cooling tower 283432.00 78.731111 6.72 95.62
Total exergy destruction 4215463.41 1170.96 100%
8  Ebru Kolay Kadıoğlu and Meral Altınay

After Cooler
ABS Chiller Cooling 0%

Exergy Destruction
Tower LT Exchanger
7% 1%
Percentage ABS Chiller Evaporator
8% HT Exchanger
Jacket Water 4%
17%
ABS Chiller Low
Temp.Generator-LTG LT Cooling Radiator
17% 1%
HT Cooling Radiator
18%

ABS Chiller High Temp.

Generator-HTG
27%

After Cooler LT Exchanger

Jacket Water HT Exchanger
LT Cooling Radiator HT Cooling Radiator
ABS Chiller High Temp. Generator-HTG ABS Chiller Low Temp.Generator-LTG
ABS Chiller Evaporator ABS Chiller Cooling Tower

Figure 1: Total exergy losses and exergy loss percentages of each point of the system.

Chiller is adjusted in summer mode in order to obtain The Ėx values of the flows that come into and out of
cooling energy in the summer season by putting. the trigeneration system for summer season are shown in

II.Law Effiencies of System Units/Flow Points (Exergic Effiencies)

1.2
Exergy effıency (%)

93.38% 92.16% 93.38% 95.62%

1 89.77%
0.8
61.92% 61.89% 61.92%
0.6
34.52% 33.16%
0.4
0.2
0

Thermodynamics II.Law Effiency (Exergy Effiency)

Figure 2: 2nd law efficiencies of system units/flow points (exergic efficiencies).

 Exergy–energy analysis for a feasibility trigeneration system  9

Table 5: System unit elements and assigned flow points in the Ėxdestruction = (Ėx1 + Ėx8 + Ėx23 + Ėx19 + Ėx23 + Ėx21)
feasibility system (5)
− (Ėx2 + Ėx7 + Ėx24 + Ėx20 + Ėx24

System unit Connected flows Connected units + Ėx22 ) .

elements points All the input and output flows in summer season
Gas motor t1, t2 i1 mode are given in Tables 7–10. and the total destruct
t7, t8 i3 exergy is found by applying equation (5).
Multi ABS chiller t17, t18, t19, t20 i7
t21, t22 i8 Ėxdestruction = 2296221.98 kJ/h = 637.83 kW.
t23, t24 i9
Exergy obtained Destruct exergy
Cooling tower t25, t26 i10 ƞII = =1− . (6)
HT exchanger t9, t10, t11, t12 i4 Exergy provided Exergy obtained
LT exchanger t3, t4, t5, t6 i2 From here
HT cooling radiator t15, t16 i6 637.83 kW
ƞII = 1 − 1701.75 kW
= 0.62518
LT cooling radiator t13, t14 i5
(Ėx2 + Ėx7 + Ėx24 + Ėx20 + Ėx24 + Ėx22 )
or ƞII = (Ėx1 + Ėx8 + Ėx23 + Ėx19 + Ėx23 + Ėx21)
= 0.62518.
Q = m ⋅ c ⋅ ΔT (kJ) . (7)
In the most general terms, from the data sheets given
Table 6. Thermodynamic poperties, exergy fluxes, and
flow rates of each point defined and calculated below by the manufacturer of the gas motor and multi ABS
are given in Tables 7–10. chiller, chosen for the trigeneration system, we have
• Jacket temperature of 1,203 kW described in Manufacturer
There are six different inputs to the system and six
datasheet.
different outputs from the system in the summer mode.
Total exergy losses are found by applying equation (4). • It has been given that useful heat energy can be obtained
from the exhaust gases [24], which are released at 421°C
Ėxdestruction = Ėxin – Ėxout , (4) with the operation of the 985 kW gas motor.

Table 6: Input and output exergic codes during operation in summer season

Input and Output Exergy Input (exergy code) Output (exergy code) Connected flow points Connected units

Gas motor_jacket water (1,203 kW) Ėx8 Ėx7 t7, t8 i3

Ėx23 Ėx24 t23, t24 i9
Gas motor_exhaust gas (985 kW) Ėx19 Ėx20 t19, t20 i7
Ėx23 Ėx24 t23, t24 i9
Ėx21 Ėx22 t21, t22 i8
Gas motor_after cooler (95 kW) Ėx1 Ėx2 t1, t2 i1

Table 7: Thermodynamic properties and exergic formation values from points 1–8

Properties After cooler (1–2) LT unit low temperature exchanger (3–6) Jacket water unit (7–8)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Pressure, P (bar) 8 8 8 8 5 5 8 8
Temperature, T (°C) 58 60.6 60.6 58 10 16.12 77 92
Temperature, T (K) 331.15 333.75 333.75 331.15 283.15 289.27 350.15 365.15
Enthalpy, hf (kJ/kg) 242.81 251.18 251.18 242.81 42.022 67.168 322.426 385.46
Entropy, sf (kJ/kg) 0.805 0.8313 0.8313 0.805 0.1511 0.2389 1.0397 1.2159
Flow, ṁ (kg/h) 40,860 40,860 40,860 40,860 13,600 13,600 68,705 68,705
Flow exergy, Ψ (kJ/kg) 7.4500 7.9780 7.9780 7.4500 1.6220 0.5906 17.0840 27.5900
Exergy, Ėx (kJ/h) 304407.00 325981.08 325981.08 304407.00 22059.20 8032.16 1173756.22 1895570.95
Ėx destruction (kJ/h) 21574.08 35601.12 721814.73
Ėx destruction (rate) (kW) 5.99280 9.88920 200.50409
2nd law efficiency of 0.93382 0.89771 0.61921
thermodynamics, ƞII
10  Ebru Kolay Kadıoğlu and Meral Altınay

Table 8: Thermodynamic properties and exergic formation values from points 9–16

Properties HT unit high temperature exchanger (9–12) LT unit cooling HT unit cooling radiator (15–16)
radiator (13–14)

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Pressure, P (bar) 8 8 5 5 5 5 6 6
Temperature, T (°C) 92 77 50 90 58 60.6 77 92
Temperature, T (K) 365.15 350.15 323.15 363.15 331.15 333.75 350.15 365.15
Enthalpy, hf (kJ/kg) 385.46 322.42 209.34 377.04 242.81 251.18 322.42 385.46
Entropy, sf (kJ/kg K) 1.2159 1.03972 0.7038 1.1929 0.805 0.8313 1.03972 1.2159
Flow, ṁ (kg/h) 68,705 68,705 25,824 25,824 45,161 45,161 71,390 71,390
Flow exergy, Ψ 27.5900 17.0840 4.1520 26.0270 7.4500 7.9780 17.0780 27.5900
(kJ/kg)
Exergy, Ėx (kJ/h) 1895570.95 1173756.22 107221.25 672121.25 336449.45 360294.46 1219198.42 1969650.10
Ėx destruction (kJ/h) 156914.73 23845.01 750451.68
Ėx destruction 43.58743 6.62361 208.45880
(rate) (kW)
2nd law efficiency of 0.92165 0.93382 0.61899
thermodynamic, ƞII

• For the multi ABS chiller, it is stated that 10,360 kg/h of Q = 971.02 kW.
waste heat (flue gas-exhaust gases) can circulate in the • The spent value of COP is 1,203 kW jacket heat +
entire system per hour. 971.02 kW flue gas heat,
• High concentration LiBr + water is used as mixing liquid • If 1,800 kW is the desired value (our aim is the energy).
in multi ABS chiller. In the light of the information given Desired to be achieved
COPSM =
above, our aim is to obtain useful heat from the harmful Spent
and waste heat discharged from the chimney at 421°C, (8)
Cooling effect Q
by applying equation (7) given above. = = L ,
Work entry Wnet
• System is in the adiabatic process
1,800kW
• cp,exhaust = 1,121 kJ/kg K. COPSM = 2,174kW
= 0.82 .
• Q = Expresses the maximum heat energy that can be Cooling energy = ⌊1,800 kW × 0.82 = 1,476 kW⌋
obtained from the flue gas. ≈ 1.5 MW.

Table 9: Thermodynamic properties and exergic formation values from points 17–24

Properties Multi ABS cooling group/high temperature Multi ABS cooling group/low Multi ABS cooling group
generator line–HTG Unit (17–20) temperature generator evaporator unit (23–24)
line–LTG Unit (21–22)

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Pressure, P (bar) 5 5 1 1 6 6 0.5 0.5

Temperature, T (°C) 50 90 421 120 92 77 14 6
Temperature, T (K) 323.15 363.15 694.15 393.15 365.15 350.15 287.15 279.15
Enthalpy, hf (kJ/kg) 209.34 377.04 385.46 322.42 58.79 25.22
Entropy, sf (kJ/kg K) 0.7038 1.1929 1.2159 1.03972 0.20982 0.09126
Flow, ṁ (kg/h) 18,483 18,483 10,360 10,360 68,705 68,705 193,029 193,029
Flow exergy, Ψ 4.1527 26.0200 163.1230 12.4620 27.5900 17.0840 0.8828 2.6615
(kJ/kg)
Exergy, Ėx (kJ/h) 76754.35 480927.66 1689954.28 129106.32 1895570.95 1173756.22 170406.00 513746.68
Ėx destruction (kJ/h) 1156674.65 721814.73 343340.68
Ėx destruction 321.29852 200.50409 95.37241
(rate) (kW)
2nd law efficiency of 0.34529 0.61921 0.33169
thermodynamics, ƞII
 Exergy–energy analysis for a feasibility trigeneration system  11

Table 10: Thermodynamic properties and exergic formation values • 985 kW flue gas heat, ƞth (thermal efficiency) spent
from points 25–26 value,
• If 861 kW is ƞth (thermal efficiency) the desired
Properties Multi ABS cooling group/cooling value,
tower (25–26)
η = Net work wchieved
25 26 (10)
/ Total input heat (Thermal efficiency) ,
Pressure, P (bar) 1 1
Temperature, T (°C) 35 29 η = WNet work/ QHeat from flue gas. (11)
Temperature, T (K) 308.15 302.15
Enthalpy, hf (kJ/kg) 146.64 121.55 861 kW
ƞth = = 0.87411.
Entropy, sf (kJ/kg K) 0.5051 0.42288 985 kW
Flow, ṁ (kg/h) 499,000 499,000
Flow exergy, Ψ (kJ/kg) 0.6950 0.1270 ⎢ 1,203 kW( jacket heat of the motor) ⎥
Exergy, Ėx (kJ/h) 346805.00 63373.00 ⎢ + ⎥
⎢ 95 kW(aftercooler temperature of the motor) ⎥
Ėx destruction (kJ/h) 283432.00 ⎢ ⎥
Ėx destruction (rate) (kW) 78.73111 ⎢ + ⎥
2nd law efficiency of 0.95626 ⎣ 752.60 kW( flue gas temperature of the motor)
⎢ ⎥
⎦
thermodynamics, ƞII
= 2050.60 kW / h

In order for the trigeneration system to be operated in

accordance with the winter season, all the principles
described above are the same for the system. It is calcu-
lated and read the Ėx values of the flows input and output
in the trigeneration system for the winter season from
Tables 7–10. The flow points are given in Table 11.
There are seven different inputs and seven different
outputs to the system when operated in winter mode. The
total exergy (usable) is found by applying equation (9) as
given below:
Ėxdestruction = (Ėx9 + Ėx11 + Ėx3 + Ėx5 + Ėx21 + Ėx19
+ Ėx17) − (Ėx10 + Ėx12 + Ėx4 + Ėx6
+ Ėx22 + Ėx20 + Ėx18) .
Ėxdestruction = 2071005.23 kJ/h = 575.27 kW.
rate
575.27 kW
ƞII = 1 − = 0.65558126 or
1670.31 kW
(Ėx10 + Ėx12 + Ėx4 + Ėx6 + Ėx22 + Ėx20 + Ėx18)
ƞII =
(Ėx9 + Ėx11 + Ėx3 + Ėx5 + Ėx21 + Ėx19 + Ėx17 )
= 0.65558126.
5 Conclusion
In this study, a feasibility of the trigeneration system,
which is one of the on-site energy production methods,
was prepared for Kocaeli University Umuttepe Campus,
and energy and exergy analyses were carried out for each
point of the system. The results of the exergy and energy
analyses were found by making the assumptions that the
designed system should be provided with 24 h uninter-
rupted electricity, heating in winter (for 6 months) and
(9)
cooling for at least 8 h a day in summer.
According to the exergy and energy analyses finding
at ABS chiller evaporator, it has been observed that a loss
of 95.37 kW occurred in this unit, with the 2nd law effi-
ciency increasing to 33.16%. Therefore, the most reason-
able improvement is expected to be made here. When
going into the details of this unit and possible improve-
ments there, an economizer can be added to the flue gas
output of the system.

Table 11: Input and output exergic codes during operation in winter season

Input and Output Exergy Input (exergy code) Output (exergy code) Connected flow points Connected units

Gas motor_jacket water (1,203 kW) Ėx9 Ėx10 t9, t10 i4

Ėx11 Ėx12 t11, t12 i4
Gas motor_exhaust gas (985 kW) Ėx21 Ėx22 t21, t22 i8
Ėx19 Ėx20 t19, t20 i7
Ėx17 Ėx18 t17, t18 i7
Gas motor_after cooler (turbocharger) (95 kW) Ėx3 Ėx4 t3, t4 i2
Ėx5 Ėx6 t5, t6 i2
12  Ebru Kolay Kadıoğlu and Meral Altınay
In order to benefit more from the thermal energy, the
efficiency of the system can be increased by drawing
some more thermal energy from the waste flue gases at
120°C. In this way, the gases coming out of the system can
be economized a little more, and the gases that will come
out at 120°C can be passed through the last economizer
and then discharged to the atmosphere at a lower tem-
perature of 90°C. This will enable us to benefit from the
system at a more environmental and more economical
level, to obtain a little more heating and to obtain some
more heat from the system with the heating collector.
Kocaeli University trigeneration system was made
feasible as a result of exergic and energetic analyses.
• 0.87411 thermal efficiency, 2.05 MW heating capacity
with an exergic efficiency of 66% in winter.
• COP of 0.82, 1.5 MW cooling capacity with 63% exergic
efficiency in summer.
• 2.02 MWe instantaneous electrical power can be obtained
non stop in summer and winter both Parts 1 and 2 of
Umuttepe.
Exergic and energic analyses results show that the fea-
sibility of trigeneration system in Umuttepe Campus is a
facility that is open to development and worth establishing.
Funding information: This research received no external
funding.
Author contributions: Ebru Kolay Kadıoğlu conceived the
whole work, coordinated the research activity, and devel-
oped all the conceptual bases for the implementation of
the study. Meral Altınay supported the research activity
and contributed to implement the analyses. All authors
have read and agreed to the published version of the
manuscript.
Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of
interest.
Ethical approval: The conducted research is not related to
either human or animal use.
Data availability statement: All data generated or ana-
lyzed during this study are included in this published
article (and its supplementary information files).
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