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Energy, exergy and economic (3E) analysis of a novel hydrogen storage/power generation system based on a reversible solid oxide fuel cell

Author

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  • Liang, Youcai
  • Wang, Jianming
  • Ling, Xunjie
  • Zhu, Yan
  • Yao, Shunchun

Abstract

In this study, an innovative hydrogen storage/power generation system integrating reversible solid oxide fuel cell (RSOFC), photovoltaic system (PV), tower solar collector (TSC) and waste heat recovery system (WHR) is proposed. This research aims to utilize hydrogen storage potential to address the instability of solar energy, thereby providing a stable power supply with nearly zero-carbon emissions during operation. The system is modeled and evaluated by means of energy, exergy and economy, and a case study is carried out. The results indicate that the system's energy efficiency in the SOEC mode is 41.71 %, while exergy efficiency is 42.29 %. The component with the largest exergy loss is the solar receiver. In the SOFC mode, the energy efficiency and exergy efficiency are 73.16 % and 74.99 %, respectively. The component with the greatest exergy loss is SOFC stack. In June, the net hydrogen production, round-trip efficiency and exergetic round-trip efficiency of the system are the highest, which are 402.20 kg/d, 35.63 % and 36.51 %, respectively. In addition, the economic analysis results indicate that the RSOFC module is the most expensive part among all the modules of the system. The levelized cost of exergy of the system is 0.1362 $/kWh, and the payback period is 11 years.

Suggested Citation

  • Liang, Youcai & Wang, Jianming & Ling, Xunjie & Zhu, Yan & Yao, Shunchun, 2025. "Energy, exergy and economic (3E) analysis of a novel hydrogen storage/power generation system based on a reversible solid oxide fuel cell," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 253(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:253:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125013059
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123643
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