One system, three comforts: Techno-economic GA-based optimization of a solar power-driven to produce green H2/electricity/cooling/ hot water

Xiaohui Yu, Azher M. Abed, Mohammed A. Alghassab, Mohammad Nadeem Khan, Fahad M. Alhomayani, Zhipeng Chen and Jingjun Tian

Energy, 2025, vol. 316, issue C

Abstract: This study introduces a novel integrated solar energy system planned to maximize energetic efficiency, reduce environmental concerns, and enhance economic viability. By incorporating multiple technologies, including PV/T panels, an ORC, a TEG, an absorption chiller, and a PEM electrolyzer, this system offers a comprehensive solution for sustainable energy generation. Through optimization and analysis, significant performance improvements have been achieved. Exergy efficiency has increased from 19 % to 35 % by mitigating energy losses. Net power generation has also increased from 40 MW to 46 MW, boosting the system's energy output. The system's capability to reduce CO2 emissions by 10 % contributes to lowering climatic changes and allowing sustainable energy practices. Additionally, the LCOE has decreased from 10 cents/kWh to 6.2 cents/kWh, making the system more economically attractive. A case study in Saudi Arabia demonstrates the system's adaptability to diverse climatic conditions. The analysis explores how the system performs across different seasons, considering variations in temperature and solar irradiance. This comprehensive approach, combining multiple functionalities and addressing the challenges of diverse climates, positions this integrated solar energy system as a promising solution for sustainable energy production, particularly in regions with high solar irradiation.

Keywords: Multifunctionality; Waste heat utilization; Efficiency optimization; Energy independence; Green hydrogen production (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360544225002026
Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:316:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225002026

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.134560

Access Statistics for this article

Energy is currently edited by Henrik Lund and Mark J. Kaiser

More articles in Energy from Elsevier
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Catherine Liu ().