A solar-assisted power-to-hydrogen system based on proton-conducting solid oxide electrolyzer cells

Green hydrogen is anticipated to play a major role in a Net-Zero 2050 scenario since it can be produced using sustainable renewable energy sources, resulting in no greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, hydrogen has a high energy density and is readily stored and transferred, making it a versatile and convenient fuel for a broad range of applications. In this regard, an attempt has been made to study a solar-assisted power-to-hydrogen system based on proton-conducting solid oxide electrolyzer cells. The article presents a detailed thermoeconomic analysis along with genetic algorithm-based optimization studies of the system. The optimum values of energetic efficiency and the cost of hydrogen are found to be 25.15 % and 1.021 $/kg, respectively. Exergy analysis reveals that the highest exergy destruction occurs in solar photovoltaic thermal (67.83 %) and parabolic trough solar collector (13.31 %), respectively. Furthermore, performance results of the solar-assisted power-to-hydrogen system are compared with other hydrogen production technologies.