Energy, exergy, environmental, and economic analysis of a novel hydrogen production system integrating concentrated photovoltaic thermal collectors and wind turbines

As the demand for sustainable energy grows, green hydrogen production is emerging as a crucial solution for decarbonization. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of a novel green hydrogen production system integrating concentrated photovoltaic thermal collectors and wind turbines. The system's performance is assessed across energy, exergy, environmental impact, and economic viability under various operational conditions. It operates in two modes: Mode I, utilizing both solar and wind energy, and Mode II, relying solely on wind energy. In Mode I, with a total energy input of 34.46 MW (12.86 MW from wind and 21.60 MW from solar), the system generates 7.00 MW of hydrogen. In Mode II, 12.86 MW of wind energy produces 3.11 MW of hydrogen. The annual energy and exergy efficiencies are 21.69 % and 29.61 %, respectively, with CO2 reductions amounting to 81,700 tons. Economically, the system exhibits a net present value of 76.62 million USD, a hydrogen cost of 2.43 USD/kg, and a payback period of 5.41 years. Parametric analysis highlights the significant impact of solar radiation and wind speed on hydrogen production, with optimal wind speeds identified between 6 and 9 m/s. These findings suggest that the hydrogen production system has strong potential for future application.