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Assessment and optimization of an integrated hydrogen liquefaction system utilizing solar energy and LNG cold energy

Author

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  • Yang, Fan
  • Wang, Changshun
  • Jiang, Wenquan
  • Qiao, Yan
  • Lv, Yingying
  • Song, Wenhui

Abstract

Advanced hydrogen liquefaction processes, as a key technology for unlocking global hydrogen transportation, are poised to reshape the clean energy supply chain landscape. A novel self-powered scheme is proposed to convert waste heat from cryogenic liquefaction into stable electricity. This work constructs an integrated hydrogen liquefaction process incorporating solar heat pump, a transcritical carbon dioxide and krypton gas mixed working fluid Brayton cycle, an organic Rankine cycle, and Liquefied natural gas-hydrogen blending cold energy utilization. The system specific energy consumption, exergy efficiency, and unit environmental impact rate are co-optimized through a staged process evaluation combined with a particle swarm multi-objective optimization algorithm. The optimization results show that: the specific energy consumption is 5.28 kWh/kgLH2, the exergy efficiency is improved to 58.56 %, the unit environmental impact rate is controlled at 16.77 mPts/kWh, and the coefficient of performance is 0.249. The discount payback period of the system is 4.81 years. The solar thermal storage-based waste heat recovery system reduces specific energy consumption by 27.57 %. The improved reverse Brayton cycle significantly enhances refrigerant cold energy utilization efficiency. This self-powered energy concept paves a new pathway to break through refrigeration cycle energy consumption bottlenecks in subsequent research.

Suggested Citation

  • Yang, Fan & Wang, Changshun & Jiang, Wenquan & Qiao, Yan & Lv, Yingying & Song, Wenhui, 2026. "Assessment and optimization of an integrated hydrogen liquefaction system utilizing solar energy and LNG cold energy," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 260(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:260:y:2026:i:c:s096014812502837x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.125173
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    References listed on IDEAS

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