Thermodynamic analysis of a multigeneration system using solid oxide cells for renewable power-to-X conversion

A hybrid renewable-based integrated energy system for power-to-X conversion is designed and analyzed. The system produces several valuable commodities: Hydrogen, electricity, heat, ammonia, urea, and synthetic natural gas (SNG). Hydrogen is produced and stored for power generation from solar energy by utilizing solid oxide electrolyzers and fuel cells. Ammonia, urea, and synthetic natural gas are produced to mitigate hydrogen trans-portation and storage complexities and act as energy carriers or valuable chemical prod-ucts. The system is analyzed from a thermodynamic perspective, the exergy destruction rates are compared, and the effects of different parameters are evaluated. The overall system's energy efficiency is 56%, while the exergy efficiency is 14%. The highest exergy destruction occurs in the Rankine cycle with 48 MW. The mass flow rates of the produced chemicals are 0.064, 0.088, and 0.048 kg/s for ammonia, urea, and SNG, respectively. (c) 2022 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A hybrid renewable-based integrated energy system for power-to-X conversion is designed and analyzed, producing hydrogen, electricity, heat, ammonia, urea, and synthetic natural gas (SNG). The system utilizes solid oxide electrolyzers and fuel cells to produce and store hydrogen for power generation from solar energy. Ammonia, urea, and synthetic natural gas are produced as energy carriers or valuable chemical products. The system's energy efficiency is 56%, while the exergy efficiency is 14%, with the highest exergy destruction occurring in the Rankine cycle. The mass flow rates of the produced chemicals are 0.064, 0.088, and 0.048 kg/s for ammonia, urea, and SNG, respectively.