Sensivity analysis of a multi-generation system based on a gas/hydrogen-fueled gas turbine for producing hydrogen, electricity and freshwater

To investigate a multi-generation system for hydrogen, freshwater, and electricity production, the system consists of a concentrated solar power tower cycle, a steam-methane reforming cycle, a Hydrogen-gas turbine, and a reverse osmosis desalination cycle. To enhance the system performance and minimize negative environmental impacts, each cycle of a multigeneration system is considered separately and is then subjected to 4E analyses using EES software. Appropriate values of each item were selected, and the system was subjected to the main calculations. The multi-generation system generates 12.9 MW of power, 96.18 kg/s of freshwater, and 5.2 kg/s of hydrogen. According to the 4E analysis results, the energy and exergy efficiency of the entire system are 50.18%, 51.91%, respectively. The exergy destruction in the entire system is 324351 kJ/s, and the highest exergy destruction in the entire system has occurred in the combustion chamber of the methane reforming cycle and in the reformer, respectively.

Automated summary

This study investigated a multi-generation system for hydrogen, freshwater, and electricity production, and evaluated the system performance and environmental impacts through individual cycle analyses and 4E analyses using EES software. The multi-generation system produces significant power, freshwater, and hydrogen output, achieving relatively high energy and exergy efficiencies.