Thermodynamic and thermoeconomic analysis and optimization of a renewable-based hybrid system for power, hydrogen, and freshwater production

Jinling Gao, Yong Zhang, Xuetao Li, Xiao Zhou and Zofia J. Kilburn

Energy, 2024, vol. 295, issue C

Abstract: To address environmental pollution effectively, it is crucial to promote the increased utilization of renewable energy sources. Furthermore, an appealing opportunity arises from enhancing the efficiency of renewable-based power plants while diversifying their product output. This study introduces a hybrid system that revolves around renewable resources, with a primary focus on evaluating power generation, hydrogen production, and freshwater extraction. The designed system seamlessly integrates a flash-binary geothermal power plant with a solar system, incorporating cutting-edge phase-change material storage technology. Hydrogen is generated through a combination of steam-methanol reforming and pressure swing adsorption processes. Freshwater is procured utilizing humidification-dehumidification and multi-effect desalination units. In terms of power generation, the system leverages the capabilities of the geothermal power plant alongside a modified Kalina cycle. The performance of this integrated system is rigorously evaluated through a combination of thermodynamic and thermoeconomic approaches. An exergy-economic optimization scenario is employed to determine the most efficient operational mode. The results of this comprehensive analysis reveal that the system can produce 0.0224 kg/s of hydrogen, 8.017 kg/s of freshwater, and generate 215.9 W of net power. Impressively, it achieves an exergy efficiency of 58.3% at a unit cost of $32.23/GJ in the base mode. Furthermore, the optimal operating state boosts efficiency to 60.59%, with a unit cost of $32.22/GJ. Notably, adjustments in the selling price of hydrogen have a significant impact on the system's financial metrics. As the price of hydrogen rises from $5 to $6/kg, the payback period reduces from 4 to 3 years, and the net present value surges from $5.81 million to $10.16 million.

Keywords: Renewable-based hybrid system; Steam-methanol reforming; Phase-change material; Thermoeconomic analysis; Multi-objective optimization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:295:y:2024:i:c:s0360544224007746

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2024.131002

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