Performance analysis and optimization of a zero-emission solar-driven hydrogen production system based on solar power tower plant and protonic ceramic electrolysis cells

Chen Wang, Meng Zhu, Zheng Li, Haoran Xu, Keqing Zheng, Minfang Han, Meng Ni

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

Abstract

The solar-driven high-temperature steam electrolysis is promising for efficient large-scale H2 production. In this study, a comprehensive component-to-system model and optimization framework is developed to investigate the performance of a zero-emission H2 production system based on solar power plant and protonic ceramic electrolysis cell. Compared to previous system studies, the detailed description of cell internal operating characteristics is realized by integrating multi-physics simulation and artificial neural network. After parametric analyses, it is found that the system energy/exergy efficiency and co-generation performance are complicated by each subsystem. And the optimal system performance (ηth = 50.63 %, Z = 179.63 $·h−1 and ηex = 33.03 %, Z = 178.94 $·h−1, with LCOE = 0.172 $·kWh−1 and ZH2 = 6.497 $·kg−1) is obtained considering cell operating features and system energy-exergy-economic factors through multi-objective optimizations. Besides, the tradeoff between system maximum H2 production capacity and cell internal thermal conditions is revealed. This study can facilitate the development of zero-emission green H2 production driven by renewable energy.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1415-1428
Number of pages14
JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy
Volume83
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 19 Sept 2024

Keywords

  • Artificial neural network
  • Green H production
  • Protonic ceramic electrolysis cell
  • Solar power tower
  • Supercritical CO Brayton cycle
  • Thermodynamic and economic analysis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Fuel Technology
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology

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