Study on the Application of a Multi-Energy Complementary Distributed Energy System Integrating Waste Heat and Surplus Electricity for Hydrogen Production

Shuai Yu, Yi Yang (), Shuqin Chen, Haowei Xing, Yinan Guo, Weijia Feng, Jianchao Zhang and Junhan Zhang
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Shuai Yu: College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
Yi Yang: Center for Balance Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310028, China
Shuqin Chen: College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
Haowei Xing: Center for Balance Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310028, China
Yinan Guo: College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
Weijia Feng: College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
Jianchao Zhang: College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
Junhan Zhang: College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310012, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 5, 1-46

Abstract: To improve the recovery of waste heat and avoid the problem of abandoning wind and solar energy, a multi-energy complementary distributed energy system (MECDES) is proposed, integrating waste heat and surplus electricity for hydrogen storage. The system comprises a combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) system with a gas engine (GE), solar and wind power generation, and miniaturized natural gas hydrogen production equipment (MNGHPE). In this novel system, the GE’s waste heat is recycled as water vapor for hydrogen production in the waste heat boiler, while surplus electricity from renewable sources powers the MNGHPE. A mathematical model was developed to simulate hydrogen production in three building types: offices, hotels, and hospitals. Simulation results demonstrate the system’s ability to store waste heat and surplus electricity as hydrogen, thereby providing economic benefit, energy savings, and carbon reduction. Compared with traditional energy supply methods, the integrated system achieves maximum energy savings and carbon emission reduction in office buildings, with an annual primary energy reduction rate of 49.42–85.10% and an annual carbon emission reduction rate of 34.88–47.00%. The hydrogen production’s profit rate is approximately 70%. If the produced hydrogen is supplied to building through a hydrogen fuel cell, the primary energy reduction rate is further decreased by 2.86–3.04%, and the carbon emission reduction rate is further decreased by 12.67–14.26%. This research solves the problem of waste heat and surplus energy in MECDESs by the method of hydrogen storage and system integration. The economic benefits, energy savings, and carbon reduction effects of different building types and different energy allocation scenarios were compared, as well as the profitability of hydrogen production and the factors affecting it. This has a positive technical guidance role for the practical application of MECDESs.

Keywords: multiple energy complementation; distributed energy systems; waste heat and surplus electricity; hydrogen production; energy storage (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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