Wind energy integrated green hydrogen system as sustainable solution to decarbonize Iranian Industrial Cities

Abstract

Industrial cities are metropolitans where economies are based on industrial development. However, in fossil rich countries, environmental challenges are significant. Green hydrogen, as a solution, can be used in energy-intensive processes and chemical feedstocks, contributing to a more sustainable and low-carbon industrial sector. In this regard, four industrial cities in Iran with different climatic conditions were selected, and a novel grid connected wind-electrolyzer-reformer system was investigated to meet the electricity/hydrogen demand. Initially, the windfarm layout, including 20 wind turbines with a capacity of 850 kW, was optimized using genetic algorithm to minimize the wake impacts. The Jensen model was employed in this assessment, and calculations were performed using the Python codes Foxe and Pyomo. Subsequently, a two-objective genetic algorithm (minimizing costs and natural gas consumption) was utilized to optimize the size of the electrolyzer, storage tank, and reformer. The results showed the wind farm generate electricity about 17.8–36.4 GWh/yr. The natural gas consumption varied 189,766–253,568 m3/yr, with the highest(lowest) consumption in Isfahan(Tabriz), accounting for about one-fourth of the natural gas consumed in the reforming process. The served hydrogen cost (mixed of grey and green hydrogen) in Tabriz was lower than grey hydrogen (1.74$/kg) at approximately 0.9 $/kg and is cost-effectiveness.