Parametric optimization of PEM electrolyzer integrated with solar multi-generation system based on exergy, cost and environmental criteria

A theoretical investigation is conducted for a novel renewable energy based multigeneration system producing hydrogen by means of a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer as well as several commodities, namely power, drying, cooling and hot water. Engineering Equation Solver (EES) software is applied to model the PEM electrolyzer and multigeneration system. Thermodynamic, cost and environmental impact evaluations are included for hydrogen produced by considering the major design parameters. Outcomes indicate that the turbine inlet press. increases the hydrogen exergy efficiency of the system within 56% and decreases its environmental impact by about 3.8 % whereas it has a negative effect on the hydrogen cost produced. Moreover, the current density and temperat. of the electrolyzer affect the cost and environmental impact of hydrogen negatively.