Energy, exergy and economic analyses and multiobjective optimization of a novel solar multi-generation system for production of green hydrogen and other utilities

Mert Colakoglu*, Ahmet Durmayaz

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

42 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Renewable energy based multi-generation systems can help solving energy-related environmental problems. For this purpose, a novel solar tower-based multi-generation system is proposed for the green hydrogen production as the main product. A solar-driven open Brayton cycle with intercooling, regeneration and reheat is coupled with a regenerative Rankine cycle and a Kalina cycle-11 as a unique series of power cycles. Significant portion of the produced electricity is utilized to produce green hydrogen in an electrolyzer. A thermal energy storage, a single-effect absorption refrigeration cycle and two domestic hot water heaters are also integrated. Energy, exergy and economic analyses are performed to examine the performance of the proposed system, and a detailed parametric analysis is conducted. Multiobjective optimization is carried out to determine the optimum performance. Optimum energy and exergy efficiencies, unit exergy product cost and total cost rate are calculated as 39.81%, 34.44%, 0.0798 $/kWh and 182.16 $/h, respectively. Products are 22.48 kg/h hydrogen, 1478 kW power, 225.5 kW cooling and 7.63 kg/s domestic hot water. Electrolyzer power size is found as one of the most critical decision variables. Solar subsystem has the largest exergy destruction. Regenerative Rankine cycle operates at the highest energy and exergy efficiencies among power cycles.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)19446-19462
Number of pages17
JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy
Volume47
Issue number45
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 26 May 2022

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC

Keywords

  • Economic analysis
  • Energy analysis
  • Exergy analysis
  • Green hydrogen production
  • Multi-generation
  • Multiobjective optimization

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Energy, exergy and economic analyses and multiobjective optimization of a novel solar multi-generation system for production of green hydrogen and other utilities'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this