Integrating solar chimney power plant with electrolysis station for green hydrogen production: A promising technique

Abstract

This paper explores the use of Solar Chimney Power Plants (SCPPs) for the production of green hydrogen as a means to store excess electrical energy generated from renewable energy resources (RESs). The proposed structure produces electrical energy and distilled water by heating the air under the SCPP. The electrolyzer is integrated into the seawater pool and installed at the solar chimney's base. The weather conditions at the proposed location of the SCPP including solar radiation, temperature, humidity, and wind speed, are analyzed to assess their impact on the performance of the SCPP. The potential applications and economic feasibility of the SCPP are discussed, considering its contribution to renewable energy generation and the benefits of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier. The results show that solar radiation levels and favorable temperature profiles play an important role in the performance of the SCPP. The SCPP could produce 380,263 kW h of electrical energy and 139,443 tons of distilled water annually. The results also showed that the SCPP could produce 13,000 kg of green hydrogen and 173,224 kg of oxygen annually. The revenue generated from the production of H2 and O2 has improved the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for the SCPP to 0.51 $/kWh and made it compete with other energy production facilities. Monthly variations in electrical energy, H2, O2, and distilled water production, highlight the dependence of hydrogen production on solar intensity and temperature. Overall, the research demonstrates the potential of SCPPs and hydrogen production as a sustainable and efficient solution for storing and utilizing excess renewable energy.