Techno-economic analysis of a novel solar-driven PEMEC-SOFC-based multi-generation system coupled parabolic trough photovoltaic thermal collector and thermal energy storage

The present study proposes a novel multi-generation system with a solar-driven proton exchange membrane electrolysis cell, and a solid-oxide fuel cell coupled with a parabolic trough photovoltaic thermal collector and thermal energy storage. Surplus solar electricity is stored as high-pressure green hydrogen, and then a hydrogenfueled solid-oxide fuel cell is employed to meet the electricity demand at night. The solar heat and other waste heat are stored in a thermal energy storage unit and then utilized to produce cooling/heating and domestic hot water. Multicriteria analyses of thermodynamic and economic performances are conducted to evaluate the techno-economic feasibility of the system, and the characteristics under variable operating conditions are also investigated. The results illustrate that the energy efficiency and exergy efficiency of the parabolic trough photovoltaic thermal collector may reach 80.7 % and 33.8 %, respectively, and the solar electricity of the parabolic trough photovoltaic thermal collector is continuously supplied to the user for 14 h and 9 h under typical cooling mode and heating mode, respectively. The net present value, simple payback period, and dynamic payback period reach 45.78 M$, 9.11 years, and 11.55 years, respectively. The internal rate of return of 9.96 % is higher than the interest rate by 4.96 percentage points, and the levelized cost of the product of the proposed hybrid system of 0.0540 $/kWh shows the excellent economic superiority.

Automated summary

The present study proposes a novel multi-generation system that integrates various renewable energy sources for efficient energy production and utilization. The system consists of a solar-driven proton exchange membrane electrolysis cell, a solid-oxide fuel cell, a parabolic trough photovoltaic thermal collector, and thermal energy storage. The system stores surplus solar electricity as high-pressure green hydrogen and utilizes it with a hydrogen-fueled solid-oxide fuel cell to meet the electricity demand at night. The system also utilizes solar heat and waste heat for cooling/heating and domestic hot water production. The techno-economic feasibility of the system is evaluated, and the results show excellent energy and economic performance.