Exergoeconomic analysis and multi-objective optimization of a novel continuous solar-driven hydrogen production system assisted by phase change material thermal storage system

Abstract

The main focus of this article is to perform an exergoeconomic analysis and multi-objective optimization of a novel solar-driven integrated system to produce electricity, hydrogen, and cooling. One of the critical deficiencies of solar systems is the unavailability of the sun at nights. To obviate this problem, the phase change materials (PCMs) are utilized. In this system, a gas turbine (GT) is devised to provide the electricity of the grid. Although waste heat of the GT cycle can be recovered by the integration with the ORC, the remained heat have the adequate potential to run a thermoelectric generator (TEG). The produced electricity would be transferred to the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer (PEME) to produce hydrogen. Additionally, the absorption refrigeration cycle (ARC) is chosen to integrate with the ORC cycle to provide the domestic user’s cooling. Exergoeconomic results indicate that this system can continuously produce 8.65 kg/h hydrogen with the overall exergy efficiency of 15.28% and the total cost rate of 28.67 $/GJ. Multi-objective optimization also revealed the optimum values of the design parameters to reach the highest efficiency and reducing the costs.