Exergy and exergoeconomic analyses and multi-objective optimization of a novel cogeneration system for hydrogen and cooling production

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2022-07, Vol.47 (62), p.26114-26134
• Main Authors: Asgari, Armin, Yari, M., Mahmoudi, S. Mohammad S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cooling; Exergoeconomic analysis; Hydrogen production; Methanol-reforming unit; Multi-objective optimization; Solar-assisted system
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.11.037

Hydrogen production using solar energy can achieve large-scale hydrogen production and solve various energy problems. The concept of hydrogen and cooling cogeneration can realize the cascade and efficient utilization of high-temperature solar energy. In this regard, a novel solar-based combined system is proposed to produce hydrogen and cooling using a methanol-reforming process and double-effect absorption refrigeration cycle. Energy, exergy, exergoeconomic, and economic criteria were defined to evaluate the feasibility of the system for investment and construction. The system was analyzed by developing a precise model in the Engineering Equation Solver. Then, optimal conditions were obtained using multi-objective particle swarm optimization and the LINMAP decision-making approach. The results revealed that the system has an energy efficiency of 75.46% with an exergetic efficiency of 77.24%, a total cost rate of 46.48$/GJ, a cooling production capacity of 346.7kW, and a hydrogen generation rate of 0.01511kg/h. Also, the optimum exergy efficiency and unit cost of products are obtained to be 81.38% and 37.96$/GJ, respectively. Moreover, the total profit of 15.23 $M can be gained at the end of the plant lifetime for the hydrogen cost of 6 $/m3. In this conditions, the payback period is about 1.35years. •Devising a novel solar-based methanol reforming application.•Multi-heat recovery to convert solar energy to cooling and hydrogen.•Performing 4E analysis and multi-objective optimization by MOPSO.•Considering a case study to evaluate the feasibility of the devised system.•Optimum exergy efficiency and unit cost of products are 81.38% and 37.96 $/GJ, separately.