Thermodynamic analysis and optimization of an optimized geothermal-driven quadruple-production system for sustainable power, heat, freshwater, and hydrogen production

Xinzhou Li, Soheil Mohtaram, Ali Keçebaş, Kang Li, Minxu Su, Mehmet Yumurtacı and Yashar Aryanfar

Renewable Energy, 2025, vol. 245, issue C

Abstract: The study introduces an innovative geothermal-driven quadruple-production cycle engineered for the simultaneous generation of power, heating, fresh water, and hydrogen. Distinguishing itself from prior research, the system integrates a two-stage Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzer, and a reverse osmosis (RO) desalination unit, maximizing resource utilization through advanced thermodynamic and exergy analyses. Key optimizations using a genetic algorithm have achieved a net power output of 5092 kW, a high exergy efficiency of 43.55 %, and freshwater production of 41.75 kg/s, marking a significant improvement over existing configurations. The optimized system parameters reveal that separator pressures in the 300–400 kPa range are ideal for power and hydrogen generation, while exergy losses, particularly in the RO unit and turbines, indicate areas for further enhancement. This study fills a critical scientific niche in sustainable multi-output energy production, with promising applications in arid regions requiring efficient desalination solutions. Future work could focus on integrating hybrid renewable sources to improve resilience under varying geothermal conditions and broaden the system's sustainable energy production potential.

Keywords: Geothermal energy; Quadruple-production cycle; Organic rankine cycle; Proton exchange membrane electrolyzer; Reverse osmosis desalination; Exergy efficiency optimization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:245:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125005099

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.122847

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