Development of a multigeneration system with integrated hydrogen production: A typical analysis

Rise in demand for energy and emission from fossil fuels has become a thing of concern to researchers and Engineers. It is one thing to provide the energy needed by the society, and another to produce a clean and eco-friendly power supply. In this study, a thermodynamic and economic modelling of a solar-driven multigeneration power plant (MGPP) integrated with a PEM Electrolyzer for hydrogen production is examined. The performance indicators considered include energy and exergy efficiencies, net work, energetic and exergetic COP, cooling rate. Results of the thermodynamic analysis show that the energy and exergy efficiencies excluding the fuel cell was 28.57% and 34.79% respectively; when the fuel cell was incorporated, the energy and exergy efficiencies were respectively 24.45% and 34.63%. The energetic and exegetic COP was 0.609 and 0.281 respectively. Additionally, net work, cooling rate, and hydrogen production were respectively 52.75kW, 86.83kW, and 0.0114kg/s. The economic analysis indicates a unit cost of electricity (UCOE) at $0.025/kWh, a life cycle cost of $0.1097 and a payback period of 4years was achieved. The developed multigeneration system is technically and economically viable with net zero CO2 emissions. It can also serve as an alternative option to fossil-powered plants and sectors with less energy demand.