A green energy-economic optimized solar driven solution for power, methanol, and hydrogen production together

The pressing demand for efficient energy use and lower environmental impact has led to increased interest in multi-generation systems that produce multiple outputs from a single energy source, enhancing sustainability. One innovative system, powered by photovoltaic (PV) modules, is proposed for simultaneous generation of electricity, methanol, and hydrogen. The design is in a way that it consumes (captures) CO2 for methanol production, making it capable of supporting environmental goals. The system feasibility is evaluated for a residential building complex in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, based on MATLAB simulations. Through a parametric study, the optimal values have been determined for key system indicators, including the hydrogen fraction (XH2), number of employed PV modules, electrolyzer capacity, hydrogen tank volume, annual methanol production, payback period, and annual captured CO2. The optimal XH2 has been found 40 %, leading to capturing 23.19 tons of CO2 and yielding 11.80 tons of methanol per year compared to a base case without methanol production. Furthermore, the system demonstrates a payback period of 4.123 years, showcasing its economic feasibility. Therefore, the system has been proven to meet energy, environmental, and economic needs, making it a promising solution for sustainable residential applications. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd