Comprehensive study and design optimization of a hybrid solar-biomass system for enhanced hydrogen production and carbon dioxide reduction

This study introduces an innovative multi-generation system powered by biomass, which aims to tackle the urgent problem of climate change by reducing CO₂ emissions and increasing sustainability. The main problem being tackled is the ineffectiveness and environmental consequences of conventional biomass systems, which do not have methods for generating and injecting hydrogen. The proposed method combines solar panels with proton exchange membrane electrolyzers to generate green hydrogen, hence improving the quality of combustion byproducts. The methods utilized consist of integrating a supercritical carbon dioxide cycle with a thermoelectric generator to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of power generation. Additionally, flue gas condensation, a multi-effect desalination unit, and efficient waste heat recovery are employed to maximize the utilization of passive energy. The study concludes that under the optimal design, the proposed system outperforms the standard model that exclusively depends on biomass. The key results demonstrates that these characteristics are clearly demonstrated by its superior net power productivity of 3927 kW, exergy efficiency of 32.9 %, and drinkable water production rate of 9.4 kg/s. In addition, the suggested system has a lower levelized energy cost of 17.6 dollars per megawatt-hour and an emission index of 75.5 kg per MWh. However, upon comparing the rates at which exergy is being destroyed, it becomes evident that the majority of the components in the proposed model, such as photovoltaic panels and the electrolyzer unit, have a higher rate of exergy destruction. Ultimately, it can be noted that the fluctuations in combustion and turbine inlet temperature are crucial design parameters that substantially influence the power cycle and the system's overall performance.