Tri-Generation: A Complete Solar Energy Solution for Reducing Costs and Emissions

What Is Tri-Generation?

Tri-generation is a system that generates electricity, hot water, and cooling from a single source, like solar energy. It combines hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) panels, which generate both electricity and heat, with hybrid chillers, which use heat to provide cooling.

Solarus’ latest hybrid PVT technology, PVT-3, greatly improves solar energy use by integrating high-temperature PVT panels. These can produce up to 380W of electricity and 1370W of hot water, with a total efficiency of 89%.

The Solarus system also uses an advanced hybrid cooling setup, combining both adsorption and compression chillers. This ensures thermal and electrical energy are used to the fullest. The system provides 91.4 kW of cooling (33.4 kW from adsorption and 58 kW from compression), with a hot water flow rate of 5 m³/h, operating at temperatures of 50-95°C.

The Benefits of Tri-Generation Solutions

A tri-generation system maximises solar energy use, creating a highly efficient solution for industries with significant energy demands. In a manufacturing facility, for example, the electricity from tri-generation can power machinery, the hot water can be used in processes like cleaning or heating, and the cooling can support air conditioning or refrigeration systems.

Energy Efficiency

Tri-generation systems maximise energy production by integrating solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) technologies into a single setup. This approach eliminates the need for separate electricity, hot water, and cooling systems. A large hotel can benefit from using the same system to power guest rooms, heat water for showers, and provide cooling for living areas.

Resource Optimisation

The updated Solarus system includes both compression cooling and adsorption cooling. By capturing and converting waste heat, the system ensures that solar energy is used effectively. This approach helps meet a facility’s cooling and heating needs without wasting energy.

Energy Use

One of the standout advantages of tri-generation is its ability to fully optimise solar resources. Instead of only using solar power for electricity, the system generates cooling and hot water simultaneously. This multi-functional use of solar energy minimises waste and makes sure that every bit of the solar input is used productively.

Cost Savings Over Time

While installing a tri-generation system involves a higher upfront investment than conventional systems, businesses can expect significant long-term cost savings. This is due to lower energy bills, reduced reliance on external energy providers, and fewer maintenance requirements.

Thanks to the efficient use of solar and thermal energy, a hospital could recoup its investment within five to ten years by reducing energy consumption for cooling, heating, and electricity. Over the system’s lifespan, which typically exceeds 20 years, businesses can expect substantial financial returns through lowered operational costs.

Environmental Benefits

Tri-generation systems help minimise carbon emissions by reducing the use of fossil fuels. This gives businesses a competitive edge, as energy demands are high in industries like hospitality and healthcare, and visitors expect sustainability to be a priority.

How Solarus’ aHTech® Technology Optimises Energy Generation

Solarus’ aHTech® technology, created in partnership with Abora Solar, is designed to improve solar energy efficiency. We’ve combined PV and thermal technologies into one system to generate electricity and hot water from a single solar panel.

Unlike standard solar PV panels, which lose around 80% of the sun’s energy as heat, aHTech® captures that lost heat and transforms it into usable energy alongside the electricity. The result? A system with an impressive 89% efficiency, much higher than the industry average.

Here’s how it works:

The design layers the solar panels to minimise heat loss. The cooling effect on the PV cells not only enhances their ability to produce electricity but also allows the system to use that thermal energy to heat water.

The system’s integrated thermal collectors, positioned on the back of the panels, absorb excess heat that would otherwise be lost. This captured heat is then used to produce hot water.

This means a single aHTech® panel can do the job of four regular solar PV panels, making it especially useful for businesses like hotels, hospitals, or manufacturing plants, where electricity and hot water are needed every day and roof space is limited.

How Solar Cooling Works

Solar cooling utilises the heat collected by PVT panels to drive adsorption chillers, which produce chilled water for air conditioning systems. Simultaneously, the electricity generated by the same panels powers the compression chillers, boosting the system’s overall cooling capacity.

This dual approach ensures that both thermal and electrical energy forms are fully utilised, maximising efficiency. In hot climates, where cooling needs are substantial, this system is particularly effective, providing reliable cooling while reducing strain on the electrical grid. Solarus’ hybrid system seamlessly cools large spaces by harnessing renewable solar energy, providing consistent performance even during peak sun hours.

An Introduction to Hybrid Chillers

The PVT cooling system uses two types of cooling—compression and adsorption—that work together to increase the system’s cooling capacity. Adsorption chillers use heat energy, often provided by solar thermal systems, while compression chillers are powered by electricity.

By combining these two methods, Solarus’ hybrid chillers fully utilise the energy generated by the PVT panels. The heat collected from the panels drives the adsorption chillers, while the electricity generated powers the compression chillers. This efficient combination ensures reliable cooling for large commercial or industrial spaces, even during peak demand, making it especially effective in warmer climates.

If you want to optimise your energy use and lower your carbon footprint, contact Solarus today to schedule a feasibility study. Our team will assess your needs and demonstrate the difference our technology can make.

References

International Institute for Energy Conservation. (n.d.). Tri-generation: A sustainable energy solution [Fact sheet]. IIEC. https://www.iiec.org/sdc/SDC_Tri-generation_factsheet.pdf