Maximum output from a tri-generation cycle

A review of the literature indicates that current Trigeneration cycles show a low thermal performance even when optimised for maximum useful output. This paper presents an analysis of a tri-generation cycle that is based upon coupled Stirling cycles. It is shown that it is possible to obtain a significantly higher Energy Utilisation Factor with this type of cycle by considering the energy transferred during the isothermal compression and expansion processes as useful products thus making the energy utilisation larger than the enthalpy drop of the working fluid. The cycle is shown to work best with a low temperature heat source and has the highest Energy Utilisation Factor when the three outputs are approximately equal.