Thermodynamic analyses of a solar-based combined cycle integrated with electrolyzer for hydrogen production

In the current study, a combined steam and gas turbine system integrated with solar system is studied thermodynamically. In addition, an electrolyzer is added to the integrated system for hydrogen production which makes the current system more environmental friendly and sustainable. This system is then evaluated by employing thermodynamic analysis to obtain both energetic and exergetic efficiencies. The parametric studies are also conducted to investigate the effects of varying operating conditions and state properties on both energy and exergy efficiencies. The present results show that while gas turbine can generate 312 MW directly, 151.72 MW power is generated by steam turbine using solar collectors and exhausted gases recovered from the gas turbine. Furthermore, by adding electrolyzer to the integrated system, a total of 131.3 g/s (472.68 kg/h) hydrogen is generated by using excess electricity which leads to more sustainability system. (C) 2017 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.