Thermo-economic-environmental evaluation of an innovative solar-powered system integrated with LNG regasification process for large-scale hydrogen production and liquefaction

Abstract

In order to achieve a sustainable energy future, it is of utmost importance to harness solar energy for the production of liquid hydrogen. This undertaking is justified by the significant role that liquid hydrogen plays as a clean and highly efficient fuel source, effectively addressing the pressing concerns regarding greenhouse gas emissions and reducing reliance on conventional fossil fuels. An additional advantage lies in the easy storage and transportation capabilities of liquid hydrogen, making it a viable solution for energy storage across diverse sectors. In this regard, the current research presents a novel solar-powered setup consisting of parabolic trough solar collectors (PTSCs), a sequential organic Rankine cycle (ORC), a liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification unit, and a module dedicated to the production and subsequent liquefaction of hydrogen. A meticulously crafted MATLAB code is utilized to replicate the operations of the proposed system, facilitating a thorough examination of its energy, exergy, environmental, and economic performance. The proposed system exhibits a net output power of 1.13 MW and possesses the capacity to produce hydrogen at a rate of 34.92 kg/h, featuring a levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) of 3.59 $/kg. Additionally, the system encompasses a cooling capability of 192 kW. From an environmental perspective, this configuration contributes to a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions by 255.96 kg/h. After conducting a dynamic analysis with meteorological data, it was determined that the system has the potential to generate an annual hydrogen output of 536.84 tons in San Francisco.