Thermal performance analysis of a novel solar-assisted multigeneration system for hydrogen and power generation using corn stalk as biomass

In the present study, a multigeneration system using corn stalk as biomass and solar energy at specific thermodynamical conditions by hydrothermal gasification method from zero to the maximum temperature (1000 degrees C) for hydrogen and power production is designated and analyzed. Thermal performance analysis is done by availing energy and exergy computation for each facility and system at different temperatures, pressures, and flow rates. Furthermore, the system was simulated via Aspen Plus software with the help of the Peng-Robinson method. Moreover, according to inputs, products' amounts, and the conditions, the system generates power and clean water, which this combination has not done earlier. The obtained energy from the collector supplied the reactor's energy; in addition, the system generated power by a turbine, that the power generated by the system and solar collector as 788 and 2567 kW. The hydrogen gas in the highest value attained as 0.0197 kg/s at 1000 degrees C, 0.7 kg/s mixing input, and the significant pressure 250bar. Moreover, CO and CH4 gases and clean water were surveyed as other products, and 0.365, 0.666 kg/s, and 0.248 kg/s were obtained. The total energy and exergy efficiencies of the system were determined 57.5% and 38.3%, respectively. Also, the hydrogen production exergy efficiency was calculated as 16.5%, and the maximum exergy destruction was 2559 kW that belonged to the reactor. Furthermore, the exergy efficiency of solar energy was 76.7%. Utilizing some catalysts and combining biomasses with adding ammonia to the desired productions would be a novel future study.

Automated summary

The study developed a multigeneration system using corn stalk biomass and solar energy for hydrogen and power production through hydrothermal gasification method. The system achieved high energy and exergy efficiencies, generating power, hydrogen gas, and clean water as products. Futhermore, the use of catalysts and combining biomasses with adding ammonia for desired productions is suggested for future research.