Applied Energy 202 (2017) 88–111

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Applied Energy
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/apenergy

Polygeneration as a future sustainable energy solution – A

comprehensive review
Kuntal Jana a,1, Avishek Ray a, Mohammad Mansouri Majoumerd b,c, Mohsen Assadi c, Sudipta De a,⇑
a
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India
b
International Research Institute of Stavanger (IRIS), P.O. Box 8046, N-4068 Stavanger, Norway
c
Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Stavanger, 4036 Stavanger, Norway

h i g h l i g h t s

Developing future sustainable energy systems is critical.

Polygeneration is such possible future option.

A comprehensive review of published literature on polygeneration.

Review includes design, assessment, optimization, control, etc.

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: Integrating multiple utility outputs to obtain better efficient system has been a good option. After cogen-
Received 2 November 2016 eration and trigeneration, polygeneration emerges as a possible sustainable solution with optimum
Received in revised form 15 May 2017 resource utilization, better efficiency and environment friendliness. Several possible polygeneration
Accepted 18 May 2017
has been conceptualized, performance assessed theoretically as available in literature. Both inputs and
outputs vary in these reported works. A few prototype development and experimental result analysis
are also reported. Several optimization tools based on objective function are used to develop efficient
Keywords:
polygeneration. Assessment criteria of polygeneration are also multi dimensional and may be defined
Polygeneration
Sustainable energy
on a case to case basis with definite objective. In this paper a comprehensive review of available literature
Energy system design is done to assess the status of polygeneration as a possible sustainable energy solution. Possible future
Performance assessment research in this field is also logically predicted at the end of this review.
Sustainability Ó 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Contents

1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
2. Fuel inputs to polygeneration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
2.1. Coal based polygeneration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
2.2. Biomass based and biomass hybrid polygeneration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
2.3. Solar based and solar hybrid polygeneration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
3. Energy conversion devices for power/electricity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
4. Outputs of polygeneration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
5. Scale/capacity of polygeneration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
6. Analysis and assessment of polygeneration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
7. CO2 capture in polygeneration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
8. Optimization of polygeneration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
9. Operation and control of polygeneration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
10. Sustainability issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

⇑ Corresponding author.
E-mail addresses: de_sudipta@rediffmail.com, sde@mech.jdvu.ac.in (S. De).
1
Present affiliation: Centre for Energy, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, India.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.05.129
0306-2619/Ó 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
 K. Jana et al. / Applied Energy 202 (2017) 88–111 89

11. Smart energy management system with storage technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

12. Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Acknowledgements . . . . . . . ............................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

1. Introduction the viewpoints of optimization. Murugan and Horak showed an

Energy is a basic input for civilization and economic growth [1].
Though primary energy is available in nature in different forms and
some of these are useful in that form, most convenient and useful
form of energy is the secondary energy- specifically electricity [2].
Hence, technology for conversion of other forms of energy to elec-
tricity is very critical. As fossil fuels are high calorific value
resources and have been available over a long period, most of the
electricity delivering power plants use fossil fuels [2]. Thus power
sector all over the world is presently dominated by large scale
power generation from mega or ultra-mega capacity power plants.
However, depletion of limited fossil fuel resources and emission of
pollutants including greenhouse gases (specifically CO2) are the
two major concerns regarding these power plants [3]. Increased
efficiency is always preferred as it not only indicates better
resource utilization but also decreases environmental degradation
indirectly. However, steam based power cycles has reported satu-
ration in efficiency and any increase of efficiency depends on mate-
rial development. Though gas-steam combined cycle has a
significant increase in efficiency and as a result less environmental
impact, it has some restriction on type of fuel used for these plants.
By coal gasification and using integrated gasification combined
cycle (IGCC), coal can also be used in combined cycle. IGCC with
CO2 capture is the option for limiting CO2 emission though using
coal. However, this is associated with severe penalty in efficiency.
Presently, sustainable development is considered as the most
rational goal. Energy conversion and use is a very important aspect
of this sustainable goal. Optimum use of resources, efficiency
enhancement, demand side management, etc is different aspects
of sustainable energy use. Both from the viewpoints of limited
resource availability as well as environmental impact, use of fossil
fuels are not sustainable in the long run [4,5]. However, during
transition from fossil fuels to renewable options, efficient and
environment-friendly use of fossil fuels also has to be assured.
Polygeneration is considered as a possible sustainable energy
solution that may use multiple fuels with simultaneous delivery
of several utilities [6,7]. Overall efficiency increases significantly
if the system design and integration of sub-systems are done effi-
ciently. Moreover several alternative fuels may be used to improve
resource utilization through proper fuel switching or mixing with
conventional fuels. Environmental impact also reduces with higher
efficiency as well as type of fuel used. Even CO2 capture is a natural
option for delivering several utilities in fossil fuel based polygener-
ations for liquid/gaseous fuel synthesis [8,9]. Depending on desired
utility outputs and optimum use of available resources, hybrid sys-
tems integrating both renewable and non-renewable resources
with optimum capacity may be also sustainable [10,11].
A few review papers which deal with polygeneration are avail-
able in literature. Chicco and Mancarella reviewed multigeneration
for distributed application. This paper aimed to cater to the
demands of combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) mainly
[7]. Mancarella reported an overview of models and assessment
techniques of distributed multi-utility generation [12]. Sahoo
et al. reviewed the potential and sustainability of solar-biomass
hybrid power generation integrated with various cooling and
desalination techniques. They have done this study in Indian con-
text [10]. Rong and Lahdelma reviewed the role of polygeneration
as a distributed sustainable energy solution. They reviewed from
overview of trigeneration (CCHP) and extended it to polygenera-
tion [13].
Polygeneration is the process of system integration for deliver-
ing multiple utilities from a single unit to obtain an efficient multi-
utility system. Though it increases system complexity, properly
designed polygeneration enhances energy efficiency, reduces emis-
sion and waste, and increases economic benefit [6,7]. There are
several advantages of polygeneration. Renewable energy say,
biomass/solar based polygeneration reduces carbon footprint,
resolves the problem of fossil resource scarcity and it increases
energy efficiency compared to stand alone units. Decentralized
polygeneration in remote areas also increases energy access to
rural people [7]. For coal based system, polygeneration with carbon
capture and utilization is beneficial from environmental and eco-
nomic viewpoints [14]. Polygeneration increases energy efficiency
and conserve resource.
In a power plant, electricity is produced from fuel energy (Fig. 1
(a)). At the same time, effluents are rejected to the environment in
forms of flue gas, hot waste water, etc. Similarly, electricity and
utility heat are produced in cogeneration plant (Fig. 1(b)). When
three outputs are produced from a single plant, it is called trigen-
eration plant (Fig. 1(c)). These outputs are electricity, cooling and
heating. When multiple utilities are produced in a single plant
from one or multiple resources, that plant is called multi-
generation or polygeneration plant (Fig. 1(d)). Apart from energy
services, chemicals may be outputs of polygeneration [15]. As poly-
generation is a combination of multiple processes, design of poly-
generation is important and it varies widely [15]. Polygeneration
delivers multiple outputs by using single or multiple inputs. Hence,
its performance assessment is also very crucial. This performance
may be measured by different types of metrics and its sustainabil-
ity assessment is critical from multi-dimensional aspects [10].
From the previous section, it is noted that polygeneration is an
energy system to deliver multiple utilities from a single plant. Ear-
lier study on polygeneration was reported by Kennedy Space Cen-
tre, USA [16]. This was a coal based polygeneration for producing
liquid hydrogen, gaseous nitrogen, electricity and thermal energy
to meet the demand of Kennedy Space Centre. A European Com-
mission funded project with multiple partners was undertaken
on polygeneration [17]. In this project POLYSMART, they studied
different polygeneration systems, their technological feasibility
and market potentials in European Union. The classification of
the available literatures on polygeneration is shown in Fig. 2. Still
these polygeneration are not operating at commercial scale. Most
of the papers available in literature on polygeneration are based
on theoretical studies. Summary of papers on different polygener-
ation Modeling and simulation is given in Table 1. Papers are clas-
sified according to sources of input energy, outputs, energy
conversion devices and objectives are also shown in this table.
From this table, it is noted that input energy to the polygeneration
may be renewable or non-renewable and outputs are mainly elec-
tricity, heating, cooling, chemicals, liquid or gaseous fuels, potable
water, etc. Configurations of the polygeneration vary widely. It
mainly depends on input energy sources and outputs. To convert
primary to secondary energy different energy conversion devices
can be used as shown in Table 1 and these are selected depending
on configurations and technological and socio-economical
viewpoints.
90 K. Jana et al. / Applied Energy 202 (2017) 88–111

(a)
Fuel Power Plant Electricity

Effluent

(b)

Fuel Cogeneraon Electricity

Plant
Ulity heat

Effluent

(c)
Electricity

Fuel Trigeneraon Refrigeraon

Plant
Ulity heat

Effluent

Heat, Power
(d)

Electricity

Ulity heat
Polygeneraon Plant
Resources Refrigeraon
Coal
Biomass Chemicals etc.
Solar
Wind etc. Effluent

Fig. 1. (a) Power generation, (b) cogeneration, (c) trigeneration and (d) polygeneration.

Studies on
polygeneraon

Theorecal Experimental (lab scale) Pilot plant

Fig. 2. Classification of papers on polygeneration.

 K. Jana et al. / Applied Energy 202 (2017) 88–111 91

Table 1
Summary of polygeneration design and simulation.

Author Input energy sources Outputs Energy conversion devices for Objectives
power/electricity
Gao et al. [18] Natural gas Power, methanol CCGT System design
De Kam et al. [19] Biomass Ethanol, power, heat Steam turbine Aspen PlusÒ simulation
Rubio-Maya et al. [11] Natural gas, solar energy Electricity, heating, cooling fresh Gas turbine, fuel cell, Stirling Design optimization
water engine
Kyriakarakos et al. Wind energy, solar energy Electricity, water, H2 Wind turbine, fuel cell Simulation and optimization
[20]
Pellegrini and Oliveira Sugarcane Sugar, ethanol, electricity Steam turbine Exergy optimization
Jr. [21]
Li et al. [22] Coal, coke oven gas Methanol, dimethyl ether, – Simulation and exergoeconomic
dimethyl carbonate analysis
Chen et al. [23] Coal, biomass Power, liquid fuels, chemicals – Optimization of process design
Ilic et al. [24] Biomass, molasses Ethanol, biogas, electricity, heat – Optimization
Ahmadi et al. [25] – Power, cooling, heating CCGT Multi-objective optimization
Maraver et al. [26] – Power, cooling, desalinated water Organic rankine cycle Simulation and performance
assessment
Calise et al. [27] Vegetable oil, solar thermal Electricity, space heating, cooling Reciprocating engine Dynamic simulation (by TRNsys)
domestic hot water
Calise et al. [28] Hybrid solar photovoltaic/ Electricity, space heating, cooling PV Dynamic simulation (by TRNsysÒ)
thermal collectors (PVT) domestic hot water
Samavati et al. [29] Syngas and hydrogen Electricity and heating Solid oxide fuel cell Design and simulation
Song et al. [30] Biomass Ethanol, power, heat Steam turbine Influence of drying process
Yi et al. [31] Coke-oven gas and coal gasified Electricity, methanol, DME CCGT Aspen PlusÒ simulation and
gas optimization
Li et al. [32] Coal Methanol, power CCGT Aspen PlusÒ simulation
Lythcke-Jørgensen Biomass Power, heat, ethanol Steam turbine Exergy analysis
et al. [33]
Salkuyeh and Adams II Coal Power, methanol, DME Gas turbine, steam turbine Chemical looping
[34]
Narvaez et al. [35] Syngas Power, methanol CCGT Process design for small and
medium scale
Zhang et al. [36] Coal Electricity, methanol CCGT Optimal design (MINLP)
Li et al. [37] Coal Natural gas, power CCGT Exergy analysis
Buonomano et al. [38] Solar energy Heating, cooling, electricity PV Design, simulation and thermo-
economic optimization
Calise et al. [39] Solar PV/T, biomass Power, heating, cooling, fresh PV Exergy analysis
water
Salkuyeh and Adams II Shale gas Power, ethylene CCGT Process design (Aspen PlusÒ
[40] simulation)
Bose et al. [41] Coal Power, urea, utility heat CCGT Process design (Aspen PlusÒ
simulation)
Jana and De [42] Agricultural waste Power, heat, chill, ethanol CCGT Process design (Aspen PlusÒ
simulation)
Jana and De [43] Coconut fiber Power, desalinated water, heat, CCGT Process design (Aspen PlusÒ
chill simulation)
Tock and Marechal Biomass, coal, natural gas H2, electricity, heat and captured Gas turbine, steam turbine, Multi-objective optimization
[44] CO2 fuel cell
Lythcke-Jørgensen and Biomass (straw) Power, heat, ethanol Steam turbine Design optimization
Haglind [45]
Hao et al. [46] Coal and coke oven gas Dimethyl ether, methanol and CCGT System modeling
electricity
Yu and Chien [47] Coal SNG, ammonia, electricity Steam turbine Design and economic evaluation
Guo et al. [48] Lignite Electricity, tar CCGT Simulation
Zhu et al. [49] Coal H2, power CCGT Modeling (dual chemical looping
process)
Farhat and Coal H2, power, urea, ammonia CCGT Economic modeling
Reichelstein [50]
Calise et al. [51] Solar PV/T Electricity, space heating, chilling, PV Dynamic simulation and
hot water thermoeconomic optimization
Kieffer et al. [52] Natural gas, municipal solid Electricity, transportation fuel CCGT Techno-economic modeling
waste (FT)
Mohan et al. [53] Solar thermal Chill, clean water, domestic hot – Dynamic simulation (by TRNsys)
water and economic modeling
Rahman and – Electricity, heating, distilled Modeling and dynamic simulation
Malmquist [54] water
Soutullo et al. [55] Solar thermal, PV, PEM fuel cell, Heating, cooling, electricity PV, PEM fuel cell TRNsys simulation and performance
biomass assessment

A few experimental and pilot plants of polygeneration are also
considered in a few studies. Design and experimental investigation
of a pilot plant of polygeneration (190 kW biomass fixed bed gasi-
fier) was reported by Ma et al. [56]. Hossain et al. developed a poly-
generation for electricity, food preparation, cold storage and pure
water [57]. The plant was based on compression ignition engine
of 9.9 kW power and it was run by plant oil. Paleta et al. designed
and tested a polygeneration energy container for remote commu-
nities to test design issues and solve operation and maintenance
challenges associated with autonomous electricity production sys-
92 K. Jana et al. / Applied Energy 202 (2017) 88–111
tems [58]. It was a robust and flexible system to operate at differ-
ent conditions. Rossi et al. analysed and compared experimentally
about real-time management of smart micro-grid. They studied at
University of Genoa, Italy and analysed the results with both eco-
nomic and environmental viewpoints [59]. Performance curves for
different prime movers of polygeneration were measured by Fer-
rari et al. [60]. In this paper, micro-turbines, internal combustion
engine, SOFC-hybrid system, absorption chillers were selected as
prime movers for this experimental facility at Innovative Energy
Systems Laboratory by the Thermochemical Power Group of the
University of Genoa. Based on laboratory scale experimental
results, a pilot plant of polygeneration process with moving bed
coal pyrolysis was developed [61]. The authors reported successful
scaling up of the polygeneration process. Ortiga et al. developed a
pilot plant of polygeneration in Parc de l’Alba (Spain) [62]. They
reported the operational and start up results of the polygeneration
for electricity, heating and cooling. Mohan et al. investigated a
solar thermal based polygeneration experimentally [53]. This poly-
generation pilot plant was designed and developed for production
of chilled water for air conditioning by absorption chillers, clean
drinking water with membrane distillation units and domestic
hot water by utilizing heat recovery.
In this paper, a comprehensive review of reported polygenera-
tions in literature has been compiled. This includes systems using
local resources for small scale distributed generation as well as
large scale (even including fossil fuels) centralized efficient poly-
generation. Hybrid systems with multiple types of inputs including
both fossil and renewable are reviewed. Useful polygeneration may
include outputs other than energy services (say, power, heating,
cooling, etc.). Polygenerations including other outputs (say, clean
liquid and gaseous fuels, fertilizers, potable water, etc.) are also
included in this review. Performance assessment of polygeneration
is multi dimensional as utility outputs are of different types. A
review of possible assessment of polygeneration from multi-
dimensional viewpoints is done. Optimization of polygeneration
with different objective functions and boundary condition using
different mathematical tools has been reviewed. Control and oper-
ation of prototype polygenerations as reported in literatures is also
included in this paper.
2. Fuel inputs to polygeneration
Fuel inputs to a polygeneration vary widely. For decentralized
plant most of the input energy sources are locally available
[63,43]. However, centralized polygeneration plants are mainly
coal based [37,64,65] and capacity is higher than renewable energy
based polygeneration. In some cases, according to desired outputs,
input/s of a polygeneration is selected. For example, for liquid fuel
production, biomass or coal should be used as the input [65,94].
There may be multiple inputs [22]. However, for pre-determined
input resources (e.g. for utilization of local resources), outputs
are selected according to the configurations of the polygeneration.
In the Fig. 3, different possible inputs are shown and these inputs
may be fossil fuels (coal, natural gas) or renewable based or a
mix of different sources [13].
To select suitable inputs of polygeneration available resource
mapping is necessary. Increased GDP of a country has a direct rela-
tionship with corresponding energy consumption. The electricity
consumption of the world is also increasing by an average rate of
2.1% per year from 2000 to 2015 [66]. On the other hand, the burn-
ing of fossil fuels for the energy supply contributes to the major
share (47%) of the rise in GHG emission [67]. So to meet the energy
demand of the people simultaneously with low GHG emission, the
need of sustainable energy systems are inevitable. Sustainable
energy systems should have at least the following features, say,
Coal
Biomass Natural gas
Inputs to
polygeneraon
Others
renewable Solar
sources
Hybrid
Fig. 3. Inputs to polygeneration.
(i) maximum possible resource utilization, (ii) reduced GHG emis-
sion and (iii) economically feasible. Polygeneration system
addresses all these issues [6,68]. So at the onset of designing an
energy system, assessment of resource availability should be done
with critical care, especially for the renewables as they are inter-
mittent and dilute in nature. Unlike fossil fuels, the renewable
resources cannot be transported to far off places for energy gener-
ation. Table 2 gives a brief idea of the energy scenario of a few sig-
nificant countries of the world representing each continent and the
share of renewables in the total electricity mix [67]. Table 2 is
based on the data of the year 2015. It is observed that shares of
renewable electricity for the three largest electricity consuming
countries i.e. China, USA and India are different. This is due to
the variation of resources and other socio-economic-political con-
ditions of these countries. So for designing a polygeneration sys-
tem, the proper resource mapping is very important. A brief
resource mapping of India, as a sample country, is also reported
in this section of the paper. In India the maximum energy con-
sumption is done by industrial sector followed by the transport
and the residential sectors. For these sectors, mostly fossil fuel
dominates. Estimated reserve of fossil fuels in India is given in
Table 3. From the Table it is noted that coal is the major primary
energy resource of India presently and it is mainly available in
eastern and central India [70]. In India as on 1st April 2014, total
estimated geological reserves of coal have been estimated to be
301.56 billion tones [70]. Majority of the coal fields are located in
eastern India. The total petroleum reserves on 1st April 2015 are
389.86 MMT and that of natural gas is 988.88 BCM [71]. Oil is very
scarce in India. India is mainly dependent on oil import. Oil is
found in only in the western and the north eastern parts of India.
Around 50% of the oil field in India is off shore. Natural gas is
mainly found in the western and north eastern parts of India i.e.
where the availability of petroleum is abundant. Hence, coal based
polygeneration may be useful for India. But India has also plenty of
renewable resources as shown in Fig. 4. Local Utilization of these
resources enhances energy security and energy access of rural
India. From the Fig. 4, it is noted that solar resources are predom-
inantly available in the Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal
Pradesh, Jammu Kashmir, Gujarat, etc. Wind energy resources are
mainly predominant in the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil
Nadu, etc. Small hydro is mostly available in the hilly states of
Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir and some of the North Eastern
states. Large hydro power is also available in the states of
 K. Jana et al. / Applied Energy 202 (2017) 88–111 93

Table 2
Brief energy scenario of the different countries in the world.

Continent Country Total energy consumption (Mtoe) Total electricity consumption (Mtoe) Percentage of renewable electricity (%)
Asia India 882 88.3 14.1
China 3101 423.1 24.7
Europe United Kingdom 179 27 26.3
Norway 32 2.7 97.9
America United States 2196 110 13.8
Australia Australia 126 19 15.2
Africa Egypt 80 12.5 8.9
South Africa 138 17.8 3.3

Table 3
Regional estimation of fossil fuel reserves in India.

Name of Types of fossil fuels

region
Coala Crude oilb Natural gasc
States of availability Percentage of States of availability Percentage of States of availability Percentage of
total resource total resource total resource
Northern Uttar Pradesh 0.35    
India
c
Eastern Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, 62   Jharkhand, West Bengal 4.6
India Bihar
North Assam, Sikkim, Meghalaya, 0.62 Assam, Tripura, Nagaland, 22.76 Assam, Tripura, Nagaland, 13.03
Eastern Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland Arunachal Pradesh Arunachal Pradesh
India
Western Maharashtra 4 Rajasthan, Gujrat 23 Rajasthan, Gujrat 7.3
India
Central India Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh 26
Southern Andhra Pradesh 7 Andhra Pradesh, Tamil 3.14 Andhra Pradesh, Tamil 6.45
India Nadu Nadu
Eastern    7.36  29.3
offshore
Western    43.6  37
offshore
a
Data is taken from the official website of the Ministry of Coal, Government of India [70].
b
Data is taken from a report of the Ministry of Petroleum and natural gas, Government of India [71].
c
The natural gas resources in the states of Jharkhand and West Bengal are coal bed methane (CBM) whose commercial exploration is yet to be started.

Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, etc. Bio energy is abundant in
most of the states as India is an agro based country. Thus India is
rich in renewable resources varying at different locations [72]. To
set up useful polygeneration with renewable energy integration
of these locally available resources are critical. As a whole, India
has potential development of both renewable and coal based
polygeneration.
based polygeneration with power generation and urea production
is shown in Fig. 5. In this polygeneration process, coal is used
through gasification. CO2 is captured in this system and utilized
for urea production through system integration.
2.2. Biomass based and biomass hybrid polygeneration

Similar to coal, biomass is also a solid fuel (i.e. hydrocarbon)

2.1. Coal based polygeneration
Coal is a non-renewable energy resources and it can be an
energy-input to a polygeneration. To utilize coal, there are two
ways- (a) direct combustion (b) gasification. In direct combustion,
heat value of coal is converted to hot flue gas which is utilized in
different downstream process e.g., power generation, utility heat-
ing, cooling, etc though it cannot produce chemicals or synthetic
fuels directly. To produce chemicals and synthetic gaseous or liq-
uid fuels, gasification based polygeneration is preferred [47,73].
In this case, thermo-chemical properties (ultimate and proximate
analysis) of coal determine the potential of production of chemi-
cals. For both cases of direct combustion and gasification, there is
a possibility of CO2 capture [14,47]. However, for pre combustion
carbon capture polygeneration should be gasification based. Oxy-
fuel combustion and chemical looping are another option to cap-
ture CO2 from a coal based polygeneration [41,49]. Capacity of coal
based polygeneration plant is generally large compared to renew-
able based polygeneration. For an example, schematic of a coal
that consists of cellulose and lingo-cellulose [74–76] though it
has some complexities in combustion or gasification during opera-
tion. The main problems arise in terms of – (a) tar formation and
(b) ash fusion [77,78]. Several studies have been done on tar forma-
tion and tar cracking [79,80]. Basic principle of thermo-chemical
biomass conversion and utilization of produced syngas is similar
to coal though quality of syngas differs. Gasification and pyrolysis
are two options for thermo-chemical conversion of biomass [81].
In Fig. 6, a polygeneration scheme for production of power, etha-
nol, heating and cooling is shown. One important aspect of biomass
based polygeneration is that it can produce liquid or gaseous fuel
for transportation [82,83]. Thermo-chemical ethanol production
process from syngas is shown in Fig. 7. For conversion of biomass
to biofuels, biochemical route is another promising option.
Bioethanol, biogas and higher alcohols can be produced through
this route. However, the yield of biofuel production varies depend-
ing on types of biomass, productivity rate of catalysts, effectiveness
of algae, etc [84,85]. In first generation biofuel production, there is
a controversy over food versus energy security [86]. In this process
94 K. Jana et al. / Applied Energy 202 (2017) 88–111

Jammu and Kashmir

△ 5685 β 15577 α 43 θ 11050

Punjab Himachal Pradesh

△0 β 441 α 3517 θ 2810 △ 6 β 21218 α 144 θ 33840

Haryana ,Delhi &

Rajasthan Chandigarh Uar Pradesh and Uarakhand North Eastern India
△5050 β 57 α 1101 θ 142310 △93 β 110 α 1707 θ 33840 △ 1794 β 20344 α 3072 θ 49630 △ 600 β 52444 α 356 θ 45090
Bihar
△91 β 209 α 100 θ 18180
Gujarat Madhya Pradesh
△ 35071 β 202 α1683 θ 35770 △ 3000 β 1127 α 1402 θ 62000 Jharkhand West Bengal
△ 144 β 223 α
Chasgarh 1000 θ 18180 △ 22 β 3237 α 544 θ 6290
Odisha
Maharashtra and Goa △ 314 β1107 α 260 θ 18270
△ 14497 β 5402 α 1001 θ
△ 5961 β 4563 α 3424 θ 64320
380440

Andhra Pradesh and Telengana

△ Estimated potential of wind
△ 14497 β 5402 α 1001 θ 380440 power, MW
Karnataka β Estimated potential of hydel
△ 13593 β 10743 α 1581 θ 24780 power, MW
α Estimated potential of bio power,
MW
Tamil Nadu θ Estimated potential of solar power,
Kerala
△ 14152 β 660 α 1671 θ 17670 MW
△ 837 β 4218 α 1080 θ 6110

Fig. 4. Renewable power potential in different states of India [72].

food crops (sugar, corn, rape seed, etc.) were used to produce bio-
ethanol or bio-diesel [87]. In second generation biofuel production
process, wood, crop waste, organic waste, etc are used for biofuel
production. Hence, there is no constraint related to food security.
Yield of biofuel is increased in third generation of biofuel produc-
tion [88]. Carbon capture and storage can be integrated with vari-
ous biofuel production processes to obtain a net negative system
that may be called fourth generation biofuel production [89].
One of the greatest sources of biomass is agricultural waste
without affecting food security [90]. Agricultural waste is produced
in agro-processes and many of these have good potential to be
energy resources [91,92]. Thermochemical properties of these
waste widely vary with the type of crop [93]. Depending on these
properties, potential of biomass for power generation or biofuels
production are also different. Typical feature of an agricultural
waste is its availability confined within rural areas. Hence, logistics
of biomass supply is important [94]Generation of the waste over
the year also varies widely [95]. For seasonal crops (say, rice) waste
are generated in bulk during reaping of the crops. A few food pro-
cessing industries also produce waste (say, sugarcane bagasse)
from agricultural crops. These waste are available in concentrated
manner. For plantation crops (say, coconut), waste may be avail-
able more or less at a uniform rate over the year. Use of a particular
agricultural waste also varies widely depending on its type, its
available amount and geographical location of availability and
existing practice of the local people due to various socio-
economic reasons. These agricultural waste have sufficient calorific
values. Hence, it can be utilized for better value-added processes
with developed technology [93]. For example, rice straw may be
used for heating, electricity generation or ethanol production
either through thermochemical or biochemical route. Economic
value of this utilization will be better than existing practice of
using rice straw as cattle fodder only. There are several challenges
on technology development to utilize this waste as energy
resources [77]. To utilize this waste, decentralized technology
development is more suitable [96]. However, centralized concen-
tration of these may happen for agro-industrial wastes say, sugar-
cane bagasse. Developing technology for using agricultural waste
as energy resources matching with local availability and secondary
energy needs may be very useful for future sustainable solution,
specifically for rural areas [57]. In Table 4, summary of papers on
biomass based polygeneration is compiled. In this table different
kind of biomass inputs, their conversion process and outputs of
polygeneration are given. From this table it is noted that wide
range of biomass can be used as input energy sources in polygen-
eration and through these polygeneration bio-fuel (methanol,
ethanol, DME, etc.) is an important output [108–110].
2.3. Solar based and solar hybrid polygeneration
Solar energy is a form of renewable energy available almost all
over the world with different intensity. The countries dependent
on the conventional energy sources should adopt policies for
enhancing the solar energy market [111]. It can be utilized as an
energy source of polygeneration. However, polygeneration is very
difficult to be achieved by only solar energy input due to low
energy concentration [27]. In majority of the cases, the solar
energy is hybridized with the other forms of renewable energy like
the biomass energy and the fuel cells to produce utility outputs as
obtained from the literature and shown in Fig. 8. The major renew-
able energy sources hybridized with solar thermal or photovoltaic
collectors are biomass gasifier and fuel cells [112] as given in
Table 5. As noted from this table, solar thermal collectors have
more applications than solar photovoltaic collectors in polygener-
 K. Jana et al. / Applied Energy 202 (2017) 88–111 95

Particulate
removal CO shift

CO2
removal
H2 rich
Water Methanation
quenching Syngas Syngas
compression
Process &
steam Ammonia
CO2 synthesis
Cryogenic (N2+3H2↔2NH3)
purification
Coal stock Coal mill Gasifier

N2 wash
Compressor

N2
ASU NH3

Combustor

Air Compressor
Flue
Gas gas
HRSG
turbine
Steam
Turbine
Pump

Steam
turbine

Condenser Pump

Condenser

Hot water Ammonium

CO2+NH3 carbamate
Urea
Process heat (120 bar pr.,
+
170-190 °C)

Heat

Process heat

Fig. 5. Detailed schematic of the conceptualized polygeneration scheme [41].

ation systems. The fuels cell hybridized polygeneration generally
produces electricity with cooling, heating and potable water as
the utilities. Biomass hybridized polygeneration system generally
yields biofuels like ethanol, methanol, etc with the electricity,
heating and cooling as the outputs. Hybrid polygeneration helps
to reduce the energy storage capacity and it has the potential to
utilize multiple intermittent energy resources efficiently [128].
3. Energy conversion devices for power/electricity
Power is generally a major output of polygeneration. Hence,
prime movers or energy conversion devices are required for power
generation in a polygeneration. These are selected according to
input fuels, capacity, economy, availability, etc [129]. In Fig. 9, var-
ious types of prime movers of polygeneration are shown. Cost-
96 K. Jana et al. / Applied Energy 202 (2017) 88–111

To ethanol
producon
LPST
unit

Syngas Syngas
Splier compressor
cooler
Catalyst
Combuson Superheater-
GT Reheater
chamber

Gasifier
Air
Rice Ai compressor Make-up Pump
straw water Economizer-
Air Evaporator
Condenser
Ash

Waste heat
recovery
HPST
To vapor
absorpon Process To stack
chiller heater

Fig. 6. Schematic of polygeneration process for power, ethanol, heat and chill [64].

B36
Q

S56
Q-PRO2 B37
S60
S59
B1 B2
PRO-IN PRO-OUT S20
B35 S64

S55
B38
S63
S4
S50
S62 B32
S54
H2O-ETOH
B31
S21 B34
S53 Hydrous
CO2-FREE ethanol
ETH-SYNT

S61
COL-GAS H2O
B27
MEA-based acid gas removal process
WGS
B29 CO2
S48
S52 H2-CO

B25

CO2-CAPT

Syngas

Fig. 7. Schematic of thermo-chemical ethanol production process [64].

benefit analyses of polygeneration play an important role in prime
mover selection. Gas turbine is used to generate power for gaseous
fuels (say, natural gas or syngas derived through gasification. But
impurities in the syngas should be within the permissible limit
[130]. In combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT), gas turbine cycle is
used as topping cycle and steam turbine cycle may be used as bot-
toming cycle to increase the overall thermodynamic efficiency
[43]. Micro-gas turbine is selected as prime movers for small scale
and standalone polygeneration [54]. Steam turbine is useful for
direct combustion of solid fuel (coal/biomass combustion). Where
available heat is at relatively low temperature (say geothermal
heat, solar thermal heat), organic Rankine cycle (ORC) is suitable
 K. Jana et al. / Applied Energy 202 (2017) 88–111 97

Table 4
Summary of biomass based and biomass hybrid polygeneration.

Author Inputs Conversion process of biomass Outputs

Li et al. [23] Coal, biomass Thermochemical (gasification) Power, methanol
Trippe et al. [97] Biomass Thermochemical (gasification) FT fuel, DME, chemicals
Ng et al. [98] Coal, Bio-oil Thermochemical Power, chemicals
Meerman et al. [99] Coal, biomass, heavy oil Thermochemical (gasification) Power, methanol, FT liquids, H2, urea
Pellegrini and Sugarcane Biochemical Sugar, ethanol, electricity
Oliveira Jr. [21]
Xin et al. [100] Cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin Thermochemical (pyrolysis) Char, pyrolysis oil
Spencer et al. [101] Solid waste Biochemical (digestion) Heat, hydrogen, and power
Hossain et al. [57] Jatropha and Pongamia Biochemical Electricity, food preparation, cold storage and pure water
Salomon et al. [102] Residue of palm oil mill Biochemical Bio-diesel, pellet, electricity, steam
Chen et al. [103] Agricultural straw Torrefaction Pyrolysis for polygeneration
Lythcke-Jørgensen Lignocellulose Biochemical (Saccharification Power, ethanol, heat
et al. [32] and fermentation)
Ilic et al. [24] Biomass Biochemical, thermochemical Ethanol, biogas, FT diesel, DME
Chen et al. [110] Agriculture straws (cotton stalks) Torrefaction, pyrolysis Char, liquid oil and biogas
Khan et al. [104] Biogas Digestion Electricity, cooking energy drinking water
Vidal and Martin Biomass (switchgrass), concentrated solar Thermochemical (gasification) Electricity, H2, heat
[105] energy
Bai et al. [106] Biomass, solar energy Thermal gasification Methanol, power
Jana and De [42] Agricultural waste Thermochemical (gasification) Power, heat, chill, ethanol
Jana and De [43] Coconut fiber Thermochemical (gasification) Power, desalinated water, heat, chill
Yang et al. [107] Cotton stalk, rice husk Pyrolysis Charcol, biogas, woody vinegar, woody tar
Chen et al. [108] Cotton stalks, rapeseed stalks, tobacco stems, Pyrolysis High quality gas fuel, phenols-enriched liquid oil,
rice husks, and bamboo carbon-based adsorbent, biochar
Chen et al. [109] Tobacco waste Pyrolysis Char, oil, gas
Chen et al. [110] Pine nut shell Pyrolysis Biochar, bio-oil, chemicals

Output utilities
Hybridized

Electricity
Fuel cell

Cooling
Biomass
gasifier/digester

Heating and
Solar drying
PV/ Wind
Thermal

Biofuels
Micro gas
turbine

Hydrogen
Geothermal

Ocean Thermal Potable Water

Oxygen

Fig. 8. Possible hybridization and output utilities of solar thermal/photovoltaic based polygeneration.

[26]. For ORC, selection of working fluid is crucial [131]. Supercrit-
ical and transcritical CO2 cycle is another option for low tempera-
ture heat recovery and power generation. In Fig. 10, schematics of
gas turbine cycle, Rankine cycle, combined cycle gas turbine
(CCGT) are shown. For distributed generation, internal combustion
engine is preferred due to its low initial cost and robustness [57].
As efficiency of fuel cell is high, it has potential to be used for elec-
tricity generation, though novel material is required and it is highly
sensitive to impurities [28,29,132]. In this case input fuels should
have high level of purity.
4. Outputs of polygeneration
Polygeneration is designed to deliver multiple utilities. From lit-
eratures, it is observed that polygeneration can deliver different
types of outputs e.g., energy services, materials, drinking water
[6,13]. Possible utilities as reported in literature are shown in
Fig. 11 However, these output utilities are selected according to
inputs and utility demands. For decentralized polygeneration, out-
puts should be in line with local demand to cater to local needs.
Transportation or transmission of utility outputs for long distance
98 K. Jana et al. / Applied Energy 202 (2017) 88–111

Table 5
Solar hybridized polygeneration system.

Author (year) Route of solar energy Type of hybridization Input Output

utilization
Solar Solar
PV thermal
p p
Kribbus and Mittleman Heat engine Solar energy Electricity and heat
[113]
p
Calise [114] Solid oxide fuel cell Solar energy Electricity, cooling, heating
p
Rubio-Maya et al. [11] Natural gas system and Solar energy, natural gas and Electricity, heating, cooling and fresh
biomass gasifier biomass water
p p
Calise et al. [27] PEM fuel cell Solar energy Electricity, cooling, heating
p
Calise et al. [28] Reciprocating engine fed by Solar energy and vegetable oils Electricity, heating and cooling
vegetable oil
p
Rivalro et al. [115] Wind turbine, wind turbine Solar energy and wind Electricity, heating and cooling
based micro grid
Kaniyal et al. [116] Coal gasification Solar energy Electricity and fuels
p
Ozturk and Dincer [117] Solar energy Electricity, heating, cooling, hydrogen
and oxygen
p
Ozturk and Dincer [118] Coal gasification Solar energy and coal Electricity, heating, cooling,
hydrogen, oxygen and hot water
p
Al-Ali and Dincer [119] Geothermal well Solar and geothermal energy Electrical power, cooling, space
heating, hot water and heat for
industrial use
p
Aichmayer [120] Micro gas turbine Solar assisted micro gas turbine Electricity, hot water and cooling
p
Suleman et al. [112] Geothermal well Solar and geothermal energy Electricity, drying and cooling
p
Bai et al. [106] Biomass gasifier Solar Energy and biomass Electricity and methanol
p
Sahoo et al. [10] Biomass gasifier Solar energy and biomass Electricity, cooling, heating and water
p
Khalid [121] Biomass gasifier Solar and biomass Electricity, cooling, hot water, heated
air
p p
Ahmadi et al. [122] OTEC Solar and ocean thermal energy Electricity, fresh water, cooling and
hydrogen.
p
Khan and Martin [123] Biogas from a digester Solar energy and biogas Electricity, biogas for cooking and
drinking water
p
Rady et al. [124] Organic Rankine Cycle Solar energy Electricity, heating, cooling
(ORC)
p
Mohan et al. [53] (not specified) Solar thermal energy Cooling, clean water and domestic
hot water
p p
Buonomano et al. [38] The entire cogeneration Solar energy, Natural gas Electricity, cooling, domestic hot
system is coupled with a gas water
turbine co generation
p
Calise et al. [125] Geothermal energy Solar and geothermal energy Electricity, desalinated water,
heating, cooling
p
Islam and Dincer [126] Geothermal energy Solar and geothermal energy Electricity, heating and cooling
p
Mata-Torres et al. [127] None Solar energy Electricity and desalinated water

is not feasible [7]. In Fig. 12, schematic of a decentralized polygen-

eration is shown. This polygeneration is modelled to supply utili-
Combined ties according to local demand i.e., electricity, heating, cooling
cycle gas and desalinated water of a coastal area. Locally available biomass
turbine
i.e., coconut fiber is used as the fuel input to the polygeneration
plant. In general, electricity is one of the outputs of polygeneration
Organic because it is most widely used secondary energy irrespective of
Steam
rankine centralized or distributed plant. Coal and biomass are good sources
turbine
cycle of H and C [133,134]. In coal and biomass based polygeneration,
Prime movers/ synthetic gaseous and liquid fuels may be additional outputs as
discussed earlier [135,22]. Apart from synthetic fuels, wide variety
energy of chemicals like urea, ammonia, sulphur, etc may be the outputs
conversion of polygeneration [41]. Cooling, heating and potable water may
be other types of outputs. Cooling can be utilized in domestic pur-
devices pose, food preservation or process industry depending on chiller
Internal
temperature and load [136]. This cooling is generally produced
combuson Gas turbine
by vapor absorption refrigeration process by integrating the sys-
engine
tem with waste heat. Schematic of vapor absorption refrigeration
is shown in Fig 13. Similarly, heating can be used for room heating,
food processing or other industrial applications [137]. Presently,
Fuel cell water is a valuable utility in context of water scarcity and water
contamination. Purifying or desalination of water is an energy
intensive process. It can be heat driven or power driven [138].
On the other hand, for power generation water is required. Hence,
Fig. 9. Prime movers of polygeneration.
there is a nexus between energy and water [139]. Multi-stage flash
 K. Jana et al. / Applied Energy 202 (2017) 88–111 99

Fuel

(a) Combustion
chamber

Compressor Gas turbine

Air/O2 Flue gas

(b)
Steam generator

LPST HPST

Pump

Condenser

Fuel
(c)

Combustion
chamber

Compressor Gas turbine

Air/O2 Steam generator Hot flue gas

LPST HPST

Condenser

Fig. 10. Schematic of (a) gas turbine cycle, (b) Rankine cycle, and (c) combined cycle gas turbine.

(MSF), multi-effect distillation (MED) are examples of heat driven generation during load fluctuation i.e., when electricity demand is
process and reverse osmosis (RO) is an example of power driven less, it can be used for water production and stored for future.
process. When waste heat is available, heat driven desalination is Hence, polygeneration helps to manage the fluctuating-load. Detail
preferred [140]. Power driven water purification is utilized in poly- about control and monitoring is discussed later. Thus, through the
100 K. Jana et al. / Applied Energy 202 (2017) 88–111

multi-generation system water can be produced efficiently and However, outputs must give a reasonable thermodynamic perfor-
economically [141]. mance so that economic performance can be feasible in the long
Hence, outputs of the polygeneration may be selected either run.
according to inputs and configuration or according to local needs.
5. Scale/capacity of polygeneration

Depending on the scale and capacity of polygeneration it can be

categorized as shown in Fig. 14. In general, polygeneration can be
Chemicals classified depending on its location, its catchment area and its size.
Polygeneration may be centralized or decentralized (i.e., dis-
Synthec
fuels
tributed) plant as shown in Fig. 14. Centralized plants require
Heang (ethanol, FT energy sources in bulk with high energy density. Generally fossil
fuel etc.) fuel based plants are centralized plants because of their high
energy density. Renewable energy based polygeneration may be
centralized or decentralized. When the energy resources are avail-
Outputs of able in scattered way and energy density is less, distributed gener-
polygeneraon ation is preferred. Distributed plants may be on-grid (i.e. connected
Drinking with national grid) or it may be micro-grid for small village or
Power
water town or it may be off-grid for single house or communities
[7,142]. For distributed polygeneration plants, supply and demand
should be matched accordingly. In this case, utilities should be
consumed locally because long-route transmission and transporta-
Cooling Others tion of utilities is not economically feasible [140]. Hence, socio-
economic conditions of the locality play an important role for
designing a distributed polygeneration. However, capacity and
investment is higher in case of centralized plants than distributed
Fig. 11. Outputs of polygeneration.
plants. For centralized plants, utilities can be transported or trans-
mitted for long distance, even across the international boundaries.

To Stack

Syngas compressor
Heat recovery unit

Cyclone
Gasifier

Char
Biomass
Syngas
Process Air Ash Gas
scrubbing Gas cooler
water

Flue gas
E E R S S Gas turbine
Combustor
C V H P P
O A H H
1 2

Process
steam
Pump Air
LPST

Saline water Air compressor

HPST
ECO: economizer
EVA: evaporator Condenser
RH: reheater Splitter
SPH 1: superheater 1 Vapor Absorption
(superheated by flue MSF Desalination Refrigeration
gas)
SPH 2: superheater 2 Concentrated
saline Water Mixer
(superheated by hot Desalinated hot Process
water hot water
syngas)

Fig. 12. Schematic of a distributed polygeneration for coastal area [43].

 K. Jana et al. / Applied Energy 202 (2017) 88–111 101

Waste heat
Q
R-Q-COND
R-COMSEP
R-FLSH
R-GEN S9

R-COND
S8 S13

S14
S7

R-VALVE2
R-HX S11 S15
R-VALVE1

S12

S10

S6
S16
Q
R-MIX R-Q-EVAP

R-EVAP

R-PUMP
S17
Q
S18

R-FEED
R-Q-ABS

S2

R-ABS

Fig. 13. Schematic of vapor absorption refrigeration process [64].

Polygeneraon 6. Analysis and assessment of polygeneration

plant
Assessment of polygeneration is essential. Inputs and outputs of
polygeneration are multiple. Hence, designs and performance goals
Centralized Decentralized of polygeneration vary widely (refer to Table 1). Due to its complex
polygeneraon polygeneraon nature, assessment procedure is not as straightforward as only
power generation. Objectives of assessment of polygeneration
should be in line with goal and scope of the energy system. Pre-
Renewable sently, sustainability is assessed based on three types of indicators
On-grid
sources
i.e., social, economic and environmental. In literatures different
types of assessment procedures are reported as shown in Fig. 15.
To assess technological feasibility and possible improvements,
Non-renewable
Micro-grid thermodynamic analysis is required. Thermodynamic analysis is
sources
done based on 1st law and 2nd law of thermodynamics. Economic
analysis is done in combination with technology and sociology i.e.,
techno-economic and socio-economic analysis respectively. Envi-
Off-grid
ronmental analysis is necessary to check its environmental sus-
tainability and life cycle analysis (LCA) is the best scientific tool
for this purpose. However, assessment may be multi-dimensional
Fig. 14. Types of polygeneration plant.
to see the overall sustainability of a polygeneration. LCA shows
Other factors like population density, land requirement, socio- polygeneration is better than sand alone systems [42].
economic condition, etc play an important role regarding decision Several performance parameters to assess power plants, cogen-
support on size and capacity of a polygeneration plant [143,144]. erations and trigenerations are reported in literatures. Second law

Assessment

Thermodynamics
Techno-economic Socio-economic Environmental Mul-dimensional
(1st law, 2nd law)

Fig. 15. Various bases for polygeneration assessment.

102 K. Jana et al. / Applied Energy 202 (2017) 88–111

Table 6
Summary of assessment methodologies of polygeneration.

Authors Thermodynamic Environmental Economic Social

p p
Hu et al. [8]
p
Li et al. [22]
p p
Adams II and Barton [158]
p p
Trippe et al. [97]
p p
Ng et al. [98]
p
Wang et al. [159]
p
Meerman et al. [99]
p
Meerman et al. [160]
p p p p
Gangadharan et al. [161]
p p p
Maraver et al. [26]
Bracco et al. [162]
p
Li et al. [32]
p
Lythcke-Jørgensen et al. [33]
p p
Calise et al. [142]
p p p
Bracco et al. [163]
p p p
Yi et al. [164]
p
Khan et al. [104]
p p p
Tock and Marechal [44]
p p p p
Jana and De [41]
p
Bicer and Dincer [165]
p
Farhat and Reichelstein [50]
p p p
Ng and Hernandez [166]
p
Jana and De [89]
p
Ozlu and Dincer [167]
p p
Akrami et al. [168]
p p
Taheri et al. [169]
p
Kabalina et al. [170]
p
Hegner [171]
p
Cavalcante et al. [172]
p p
Khalid et al. [173]

Table 7
Summary of polygeneration with CO2 capture and recovery.

Author Outputs CO2 capture technology Reasons for CO2 capture

Hu et al. [8] Power, methanol Pre-combustion CO2 recovery and methanol synthesis
Li et al. [22] Power, methanol Pre-combustion CO2 recovery and methanol synthesis
Adams II and Barton [158] Electricity, methanol Pre-combustion Fuel of SOFC, natural gas reforming, methanol synthesis
Ng et al. [98] Power, methanol Pre-combustion CCU for methanol synthesis
Li et al. [37] Power, methanol Pre-combustion Methanol synthesis
Bose et al. [41] Power, urea Pre-combustion H2 production
Jana and De [45] Power, ethanol, chill, heat – Desired H2 and CO ratio
Fan and Zhu [9] Power, hydrogen Pre-combustion Increasing H2 concentration
Yu and Chien [47] SNG, ammonia, electricity Pre-combustion Increasing H2 concentration
Guo et al. [48] Electricity, tar Post-combustion CCS
Zhu et al. [49] Power, H2 Oxy-fuel combustion CCS
Farhat and Reichelstein [50] Power, H2, ammonia, urea Pre-combustion H2 separation
Li et al. [179] Synthetic natural gas and power Post combustion Reducing life cycle GHG emission with minor
loss in efficiency

efficiency was calculated for cogeneration cycle to find the effects
of cycle coupling-configuration on energy cascade utilization
[145]. Jing et al. studied the performance of cascade utilization of
new power generating technologies [146]. Kanoglu and Dincer
(2009) assessed cogeneration plant by using energy and exergy
efficiencies [147]. Energy and exergy efficiencies were used to
assess and optimize the co-production of hydrogen and electricity
[148]. A few exergy based analysis of polygeneration are also avail-
able in literature [121,149–151]. Apart from first law efficiency and
second law efficiency, some environmental and economic parame-
ters were also studied for trigeneration system [152–154].
Similar to power generation, cogeneration and trigeneration,
thermodynamic analysis is done for polygeneration by 1st and
2nd law of thermodynamics. 1st law includes the quantity of
energy but does not include the quality [155]. 2nd law of thermo-
dynamics includes both quantity and quality of energy through the
term of ‘exergy’ 158]. In 2nd law analysis, exergy destructions
within the polygeneration process are shown and possibility of
improvement is identified [43]. Two thermodynamic objective
functions during the design of polygeneration is to increase energy
efficiency and exergy efficiency. Definitions of these two are given
in following equations:
energy equiv alent of utility outputs
energetic efficiency ¼
fuel energy input þ other from of energy input
ð1Þ
exergetic efficiency ðenergy utilization effciencyÞ
exergy of output utilities
¼ ð2Þ
exergy of input utilities
However, other thermodynamic parameters like fuel energy
savings ratio (FESR), primary energy savings (PES), artificial ther-
mal efficiency, etc are used for polygeneration [26,69].
To be a sustainable energy solution, polygeneration should be
economically feasible and beneficial. Hence, economic feasibility
 K. Jana et al. / Applied Energy 202 (2017) 88–111 103

CO2 capture for value

added products (i.e.
CO2 recovery)
With CO2 capture

CO2 capture for fuel

Polygeneraon
synthesis

Without CO2 capture

Fig. 16. Polygeneration with and without CO2 capture.

(a)
Electricity

Utility heat
Polygeneration Unit
Resources Refrigeration
Coal
Biomass H2 etc.
Solid waste
Effluent

Flue gas (for post combustion)

/syngas (for pre combustion)

Heat, Power
CO2 capture CO2 sequestration
Unit

(b)
Electricity

Utility heat
Polygeneration Unit
Resources Refrigeration
Coal
Biomass H2 etc.
Solid waste
Effluent

Flue gas/syngas

Heat/Work CO2 capture CO2 CO2 utilization

Unit unit

Value added products/services

Fig. 17. (a) Polygeneration plant with CO2 capture and (b) polygeneration plant with CO2 capture and utilization.

and viability are tested through techno-economic analysis [156].
Then, it is analysed through socio-economic parameters for instal-
lation and sustainable operation [157]. Also for decentralized
applications, socio-economic conditions of locality play an impor-
tant role in this regard [145]. Several techno-economic studies of
polygeneration are available in literature as given in Table 6
though a few papers are available on socio-economic studies of
polygeneration. Depending on the demand and economic value
of output utilities, ‘usefulness of polygeneration’ may be calculated
and compared for different decentralized polygenerations.
As discussed earlier, ‘environment’ is another pillar for
sustainability. Several publications are available on environmental
assessment of polygenerations as given in Table 7. In some litera-
tures, environmental assessments are done based on life cycle
environmental impact including all aspects of environmental
degradation [89,174]. Many authors assessed environmental
parameters through GHG or CO2 emission [159,175,176]. For
polygeneration with carbon capture and storage (CCS) or carbon
capture and utilization (CCU), net GHG emission is the main focus-
ing area.
104 K. Jana et al. / Applied Energy 202 (2017) 88–111

Assessment of polygeneration may be done with multi-
dimensional viewpoint [42,166]. Depending on the objectives of
polygeneration assessment parameter may be different. These
parameters can be the objective functions for optimization of poly-
generation [166,177]. However, the assessment parameters may be
in combined form, say, exergo-environmental, exergo-economics
or exergo-environmental-economics, etc according to the objective
of polygeneration and its evaluation [178]. From the literature
review, it is identified that there is a challenge for developing uni-
form performance indicator to assess all kinds of polygenerations
on a single platform [12].
7. CO2 capture in polygeneration
For coal or biomass based polygeneration, there is a scope of
CO2 capture as shown in Fig 16. Basic concept of carbon capture
and utilization are shown in Fig 17. Coal based polygeneration
increases CO2 concentration in atmosphere and it leads to climate
change. To be a sustainable energy solution, it should be equipped
with CO2 capture and storage (CCS). Energy is consumed in the
form of reboiler heat duty and compression power during captur-
ing and storing of CO2. Integration of CCS is done through heat and
mass integration in the polygeneration to reduce the overall
energy penalty. However, captured CO2 may be utilized for produc-
tion of value added products to reduce the economic penalty of
carbon capture [14,98]. CO2 is also a source of carbon for synthetic
fuel (methanol, DME) production. Sometimes CO2 is captured after
water gas shift (WGS) reaction (i.e. pre-combustion capture) to
produce H2 rich syngas or to maintain a desired ratio of CO and
H2 as given in Table 7. This CO and H2 are used for thermo-
chemical fuel synthesis (methanol, ethanol, DME, etc.) from bio-
mass or coal. Available literatures on coal based polygeneration
with CO2 capture and recovery are given in Table 7. The polygener-
ation with CO2 capture is more efficient and cost effective than the
stand alone CCS systems. During the process of system integration
of polygeneration, utility heat may be available from various
sources at different temperatures. By utilizing heat at different
temperatures, reboiler heat duty can be minimized through poly-
generation. Also, reuse of captured CO2 is possible in the polygen-
eration. Thus polygeneration is generally efficient than a
standalone unit due to better heat and mass utilization through
efficient system integration. The life cycle assessment shows that
the polygeneration with CCS facility substantially reduce GHG
emission [89].
8. Optimization of polygeneration
Polygeneration is a multi input and multi output system. Poly-
generation is done with single or multiple resources to achieve cost
minimization, GHG emission minimization without compromising
the supply of desired quantity of the utilities. Several publications
are available on optimization of polygeneration as shown in
Table 8. To design the polygeneration systems the numerical opti-
mization techniques are used mainly to proper sizing of the com-
ponents, judicious use of resources to obtain maximum economic
and environmental benefits. Maximum possible combinations are
taken in consideration while designing the polygeneration system.
In the design of a polygeneration system mainly multi objective
optimization techniques are used [11,185]. In most of the cases
constrained optimization is used [45]. Mixed Integer Linear pro-
gramming is used for the proper sizing of the components of the
polygenerations. Some of the objective functions have to be mini-
mized and some have to be maximized [182]. Non conventional
optimization techniques like multi objective evolutionary algo-
rithm and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) yields better results
in some cases than the conventional optimization algorithms [25].
In non-conventional techniques often a set of solutions are found
out. Application of fuzzy logic in the yields better results in the
optimization problems.
9. Operation and control of polygeneration
Polygeneration is a multi input and a multi output system.
However, supply of renewable energy is intermittent. Demands

Table 8
Numerical optimization in polygeneration system design.

Author Algorithm used Input Output

Liu et al. [180] Mixed integer linear programming (MILP) Coal, natural gas, biomass Methanol and electricity
Piacentino and Multi objective optimization (MOO) using heuristic CHP prime mover Electricity, heating and
Cardona [181] algorithms cooling
Liu et al. [182] Mixed integer optimization Coal Electricity and methanol
Rubiyo-Maya et al. Mixed integer non linear programming Natural gas and solar Electricity, heating, cooling
[11] and potable water
Fazlollahi and Multi objective optimization using MILP and Multi Biomass Electricity and heat
Marechal [183] objective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA)
Ahmadi et al. [25] Evolutionary algorithm Compressed air and natural gas Electricity, heating, cooling
and hot water
Gu et al. [184] An expectancy model is formulated using both the Grid power, battery, solar PV, prime mover and Electricity, heating, cooling
deterministic and the probabilistic model.
Bracco et al. [185] Dynamic optimization Natural gas and solar Electricity and cooling
Lythcke-Jørgensen Constrained linear optimization Biomass (wheat straw) Ethanol, heat and
and Haglind [45] electricity
Di Somma et al. Pareto frontier using best possible trade off between Biomass boiler, solar thermal plant, CCHP with a Electricity
[186] economic and exergy principles thermal storage
Sigarchain et al. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) Solar, LPG Electricity and heat
[187]
Lythcke-Jørgensen Characteristic Operating Pattern Method Coal Electricity, heating, cooling
et al. [188]
El-Emam and Dincer Multi objective evolutionary algorithm Solar, biomass Electricity, cooling and
[177] hydrogen
Sucic and Capunder Unified architecture and IEC61850 Coal Electricity, heating, cooling
[189]
Fuentes Cortes et al. Multi Objective Mixed Integer Linear Programming Combustion engines, fuel cells, Stirling engine, solar Electricity, cooling hot
[190] hot water systems and absorption chiller water
Gopisetty et al. [191] Optimization is carried out using Modelica Any fuel to boiler, combustion engines, absorption Electricity, heat, cooling
chiller
 K. Jana et al. / Applied Energy 202 (2017) 88–111 105

Fig. 18. Intelligent control of multi-generation with multiple inputs.

Table 9
Operation and control of polygeneration process.

Author Control/optimization strategy Application area/objective of study

Kyriakarakos et al. [192]
Kyriakarakos et al. [193]
Bracco et al. [194]
Menon et al. [195]
Bracco et al. [196]
Ruiz-Romero et al. [197]
Delfino et al. [198]
Delfino et al. [199]
Bracco et al. [200]
Menon et al. [201]
Rossi et al. [202]
Comparison between combined fuzzy- cognitive maps
petri net approach and ON/OFF approach. The petri net is
used as an activator to the cognitive map
Fuzzy logic energy management system (FLEMS)
Centralised and decentralized optimal control
Optimal predictive control strategies
Model predictive control
Integration of smart grid with the user cases by
application of many modern control strategies like
automatic generation control, demand side
management, distributed management system, etc.
Model predictive control (MPC) and Programmable logic
controller (PLC)
Tertiary, secondary and primary controller
MPC with database from SCADA
Model predictive control
Simplified Management Control (SMC), Model Predictive
Control (MPC), Multi Commodity Matcher (MCM)
The optimization of the system is carried out using Particle Swarm
Optimization (PSO) algorithm
The size optimization of the system is carried out using PSO algorithm
The smart polygeneration micro grid is connected to a data storage system
for supervisory control
Here the integration of heat pump and co generation facilities are studied
Integration of a polygeneration micro grid with an existing grid of natural
gas driven micro turbine. The polygeneration grid consists of PV, CSP,
absorption chillers, storage tank, etc.
Provides the suitable means (the control systems) to integrate the
renewable energy sources like solar, wind, etc. in the existing microgrid
Comparison between two modes of control
The controllers are used for the maintenance of the voltage and frequency
of the micro grid consisting of diesel generator, PV, storage system and
inverters
A dynamic optimization model is used for cost minimisation and CO2
emission reduction
Optimization of both the thermal and the electrical processes are taken into
account for a micro grid connected polygeneration system
Polygeneration microgrid couple with CHP, again coupled with solar and
wind

of utilities are also different. This supply and demand matching is
possible through intelligent control during operation as shown in
Fig. 18. Literatures available for operation and control of polygen-
eration are shown in Table 9. From Table 9 it is concluded that for
the proper functioning of a polygeneration plant the synchroniza-
tion of all supply and demand are necessary. In the case of renew-
able based polygeneration, the energy sources like solar, wind, etc
are intermittent in nature. The load is also variable in different sea-
sons throughout the year. Hence a proper control system is used
for the suitable operation of any polygeneration plant. In polygen-
eration systems, mainly the Model Predictive Control is used in
most of the systems [196]. Some the systems reported in the liter-
ature have the application of supervisory control whose inputs
come from supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) sys-
tems [198]. The application of fuzzy logic and petri net analysis
proves to be better than conventional control systems [192]. In
some cases programmable logic controller (PLC) is also used. In
recent times advanced numerical computational techniques are
also used. The control system is mainly needed to cater to the vary-
ing seasonal load with the intermittent renewable energy
resources. The PLC proves best suitable controller as the necessary
changes can be made in the control logic by software applications.
This also minimizes the error [199].
The polygeneration systems have several inputs and outputs. So
multi objective optimization is needed to optimize a polygenera-
tion system. The type and amount of the outputs of a polygenera-
106 K. Jana et al. / Applied Energy 202 (2017) 88–111
tion are mainly decided by the resource availability as well as the
local demand. Efficient integration of several processes in the same
system makes it more viable economically and socially. Integration
of the various processes like electricity generation, fuel synthesis
(mostly environmentally benign bio fuels), waste heat recovery,
cooling, etc. increases the overall performance of the process. Effi-
cient control systems are needed for polygenration. Advanced con-
trol mechanisms like SCADA are needed to control the multiple
parameters. In a polygeneration system, the fluctuation of one
parameter is absorbed in the production of other(s). It makes the
system even more efficient. The excess heat of solar collectors
may be fed to an absorption chiller to produce cooling utility
[195]. The objectives of optimization in a polygeneration are also
many [195]. The nature inspired algorithms like ant colony opti-
mization algorithm, differential evolution algorithm, etc are used
for carrying out multi objective optimization in energy systems
[203]. Researchers have used many efficient algorithms for the
design of smart energy systems. The multi-period artificial bee col-
ony optimization algorithm is used and its superiority over the
conventional mixed integer linear programming (MINLP) is shown
[204]. Moreover, uncertainty is another parameter to be addressed
while designing a polygeneration system with the renewable
resources. In a polygeneration system, the control and optimiza-
tion methodologies must be flexible [205]. Thus the advanced con-
trol strategies like the Model Predictive Control strategy is used to
accommodate all these variations in the best possible way.
10. Sustainability issues
According to the report of the Brundtland commission, ‘‘Sus-
tainable development is defined as the development that meets
the need of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs”. So for an energy system to
be sustainable it must be economically viable, environmental
friendly and socially acceptable. Energy plays a pivotal role in the
development of a nation. Presently India is mainly dependent on
Agricultural load
Residential load
Fossil Fuels
Industrial Load
Heating, cooling
Transportation
utilities
Load
Electricity
Coal
Petroleum Power for
transportation
Natural Effluent
Gas
Environment
CO2
capture
Fig. 19. Transition from fossil fuel based energy systems to renewable based polygeneration.
the fossil fuel based resources. The fossil fuel reserves are depleting
fast and moreover combustion of the fossil fuels have many envi-
ronmental negativities. So alternatives must be tried to get a sus-
tainable energy system in the long run. To achieve the
sustainable energy system, two things may be considered (i)
Increasing the process efficiency to reduce the losses and (ii) fuel
switching from fossil fuels to renewable. Polygeneration system
addresses both of these issues where multiple sources are inte-
grated in a proper manner to get multiple utilities. The process
integration increases the system efficiency and the uses of the
renewable energy resources reduce the dependence on the deplet-
ing reserves of the fossil fuels.
Fig. 19 describes the transition from the fossil fuel based energy
systems to renewable based polygeneration. Till now combustion
of fossil fuels is the main source of energy generation in India.
The main fossil fuels used in energy generation are coal (electricity
generation), oil (transportation sector) and natural gas (power gen-
eration and transportation sector). The two drawbacks of the fossil
fuel based energy systems are limited reserves and the emission of
green house gases along with other effluents which have an envi-
ronmental degradation effect. For these reasons there is a need of
transition from fossil fuel based systems to renewable based sys-
tems. Renewable based energy systems emit less environmentally
harmful effluents. But these energy sources are intermittent in nat-
ure. So, proper integration of these available resources at a certain
place can lead to a clean energy system. To make it sustainable
thermodynamic, economic and environmental optimization is
done to form a polygeneration system which has multiple inputs
as well as multiple outputs. The output of a particular process is
the input of another process. The input of the polygeneration
system is any renewable energy/hybridized renewable energy/
hybridized renewable-fossil fuel source and the output utilities
are biofuels, hydrogen, potable water, cooling, heating, etc. The
advantages of renewable energy usage are non-depleting reserves
and low effluent emission. The disadvantage of using renewable
energy is intermittency in nature, high initial cost, etc. Both these
issues are addressed in a polygeneration system. The generation of
Renewable
Integration of Solar
renewable by
thermodynamic, Biomass
economic,
environmental
Polygeneration Wind
Geothermal
Biofuels, H2 Chemical(s)
Tidal
Potable
Water Hydel
Reduced
effluent
 K. Jana et al. / Applied Energy 202 (2017) 88–111
multiple utilities makes the levelized cost of electricity lower and
efficient integration of various processes increases the system effi-
ciency which is both economically and environmentally good. The
result of life cycle assessment of polygeneration shows that it is
environmentally better than stand-alone units generating the
same utilities [89]. In a case study for a remote off grid Indian vil-
lage, it is seen that the levelized cost of electricity is decreased
from 8 INR (with electricity as the only utility) to 4.2 INR when
other utilities like ethanol and cooling are added [68].
Weidou et al. depicted the need of polygeneration in the Chi-
nese context. The paper emphasizes on process integration for
the efficient use of the natural resources [206]. Serra et al.
described that both the resources energy and water which are
essential for the sustenance of our civilisation needs proper
resource management due to the economic and the demographic
rise of the global population [6]. Polygeneration and process inte-
gration is a good means for this as it doubles the objective of effi-
cient use of natural resources and minimizes the environmental
degradation effect. Hetland et al. discussed about the de carboniza-
tion of the energy sector in the European and Chinese conditions
through polygeneration by generating the multiple utilities [207].
The group also suggested the carbon capture in a coal based poly-
generation is beneficial from environmental aspect. Bellosio et al.
described the need of process integration for the supply of energy
from renewable. In the city of TORINO in the POLYCITY project of
the European Commission there is a integration of the combined
heat and power system coupled with an existing district heating
system and an absorption chillers to achieve benefits in terms of
energy efficiency [208]. Dincer and Acar described the essence of
3S systems for the design of a sustainable energy system. The 3S
signifies source, system and service. For a sustainable system, the
process integration and multi generation are emphasized. The sus-
tainable systems are meant to deliver dependable, efficient, practi-
cal and clean power [209].
11. Smart energy management system with storage
technologies
Power demand does not always conveniently match with sup-
ply. Hence for a reliable power supply, suitable storage systems
are necessary. The most conventional practice is storing the elec-
tricity in batteries. These batteries increase the cost of electricity
as they require periodic replacement. Moreover, the batteries emit
toxic substances when they malfunction or at the time of their dis-
posal [210]. In electricity generation system the components are
sized to meet the maximum demand. So there is excess electricity
at the time when the load is less than the maximum demand.
There are two options to manage this. The options are (a) to store
the electricity in a storage device to use at the time of need. (b) to
use the surplus resources used in producing electricity to synthe-
size some other utilities like chemicals, bio fuels, etc. for proper
resource management and (c) to sell the excess electricity to some
other areas where there is a need. The storage is still not an eco-
nomic and environmentally benign option as discussed earlier.
Selling of electricity is not a viable option for decentralized gener-
ation as the load centres are dispersedly located. So in case of
decentralized polygeneration, sometimes the electricity producing
resource (like syngas) is diverted to produce a bio fuel ethanol
when the load is low [68]. In locations where there is variable time
tariff, storage may reduce the levelized cost of electricity [211].
Telaretti et al. compared the performance of four types of batteries
namely the Li-ion battery, zinc based, advanced lead acid, zinc
based, NaS and a flow battery in places with peak demand charges
and variable tariff. Their analysis reveals that zinc based, lithium
ion and the flow batteries give the best performance [212]. Smart
107
grid technology with the optimal power with modern equipment
like dispersed generators; dispersible loads, etc. are used to get
an optimal power flow in the smart energy systems where the
sources are different. In the power feeding to the grid, frequency
matching is an important issue. Khooban et al. [213] described a
robust adaptive control strategy to match the frequency of power
coming from various generators. Thus the storage plays an impor-
tant role in the design of the smart energy systems. Polygeneration
may be an effective way to serve the purpose of both the storage
and efficient use of energy resources.
12. Conclusion
With a backdrop of fast depleting fossil fuel and climate change
due to emission of CO2, energy sector is facing the critical challenge
of innovation of new sustainable systems. Increasing efficiency,
reducing pollution – specifically mitigating CO2 emission and opti-
mum use of available resources are the critical challenges for
developing sustainable energy systems. Integrating multiple
inputs with multiple utility outputs in a single system is called
polygeneration. With efficient integration such systems are of high
efficiency and environment friendly depending on type of fuel
used. Moreover with proper matching of available resources and
utility demands, optimum resource management may be done,
i.e., one of the key issue for sustainability.
In literature several theoretical description and assessment of
polygeneration are available. However, prototype development
and experimental assessment of performance is very scarce. Pro-
posed polygenerations using renewable are mostly of smaller
capacity depending on available local resources and hence, dis-
tributed in nature. On the other hand coal based polygeneration
will be mostly feasible for large scale systems with added advan-
tage of producing utility outputs from captured CO2. Hybrid
options combining both fossil and renewable inputs are also
reported in literature. As polygeneration includes multiple inputs
and outputs, optimum capacity determination based on several
objectives is a critical issue. Optimization of polygeneration using
several mathematical models is reported in literatures. Perfor-
mance assessment of polygeneration is multi dimensional with dif-
ferent objectives. A few publications are available in this respect.
Overall review on polygeneration indicates that it emerges as a
sustainable energy solution as an efficient, environment friendly
and optimally utilizing available natural resources.
Future research on polygeneration for successful development
may be in developing prototypes based on optimal theoretical
results and subsequent performance and feasibility assessment.
With variable inputs and outputs, intelligent monitoring and con-
trol is critical for efficient polygeneration. Performance being multi
dimensional, criteria of assessment of polygeneration may be sev-
eral, based on objective of assessment or weighted average of sev-
eral objectives. Defining such criteria will be another interesting
issue for future polygeneration research. Integrating multiple util-
ity outputs in efficient ways was the basic motive of developing
polygeneration and this will remain for future development of
innovative integration satisfying availability of resources and utility
demands. Integrating new device/component with newer inven-
tions will always remain a scope for developing better polygenera-
tion. Renewable inputs are generally intermittent and suitable
storage system integration may be another future research need.
In summary, following issues are observed through this review
of available literature on polygeneration:

Depletion of fossil fuels and climate change has forced to
develop sustainable energy solutions with higher efficiency
and optimum resource utilization. Polygeneration emerges to
108 K. Jana et al. / Applied Energy 202 (2017) 88–111
be such a solution through efficient process integration with
multiple inputs and outputs and matching of available resource
and utility demands.

Available literature shows several research directions on poly-
generation. System modeling, optimization with defined objec-
tive functions, integration of renewable resources with coal
based systems, evaluation of performance of polygeneration,
etc. are some of these.

Prototype development with intelligent monitoring and control
based on available optimized solutions in literature will be
future useful research direction. Including intermittent renew-
able resources will need suitable energy storage to be inte-
grated in polygeneration.
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to the University Grants Commission
(UGC) of India and Research Council of Norway (RCN) for financial
support of INCP-2014/10086 project. Kuntal Jana gratefully
acknowledges the Senior Research Fellowship awarded by Council
of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-New Delhi, India) for
this research.
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