Exergo-environmental cost optimization of a wind-solar integrated tri-generation system through heterogeneous energy storage and carbon trading mechanisms

Global energy consumption is increasing due to rising living standards and industrial growth, leading to an escalating demand for clean energy sources. However, the inherent volatility of renewable energy coupled with fluctuating demand presents substantial challenges to system stability. To achieve energy balance between the system and users while enhancing the integration of wind and solar resources, a solar-wind-gas coupling tri-generation system is constructed that incorporates diverse energy storage solutions, including thermal, gas, electrical, and hydrogen storages. To identify optimal dispatch schedules for these devices, an exergo-environmental cost approach is employed aiming to minimize operational costs of energy products while factoring in ladder carbon trading. Results indicate that the scenario integrating wind turbines and photovoltaic/thermal units yields the best performance, with a carbon cost of $124.6, zero power cost, and the lowest specific cost per kWh at $0.029. Sensitivity analysis indicates that higher carbon pricing encourages the use of lower carbon-intensive energy sources, which leads to reduced natural gas costs but an increase in specific exergo-environmental costs. This study underscores the potential of combining renewable technologies with heterogeneous energy storage systems to optimize exergo-environmental cost performance.