Parametric analysis and new performance correlation of an innovative system for green hydrogen, oxygen, heat, and electricity production: Application in Pau

Multi-generation systems powered by renewable energy sources are positioned as promising solutions to reduce
the carbon footprint. This work proposes and analyses an innovative system capable of simultaneously generating
green hydrogen, electrical energy, and thermal energy. The system combines a proton exchange membrane
(PEM) electrolyser with photovoltaic thermal (PVT) collectors using heat pipes (PVT/HP). A statistical model
was developed to estimate the electrical and thermal energy outputs of the PVT collectors, and the generation
rates of green hydrogen and oxygen produced by the PEM electrolyser. The study examines the impact of solar
radiation intensity, ambient temperature, mass flow rate, and the number of heat pipes on the system’s performance.
A Multiphysics approach was implemented, combining the modelling of radiative, conductive, and
convective heat transfers within the PVT collectors with the PEM electrolyser model, while applying the response
surface methodology (RSM). The model demonstrates remarkable accuracy, with coefficients of determination of
0.9792, 1, 1, and 1 for thermal energy, electrical power, and hydrogen and oxygen production rates, respectively.
The results indicate that under a temperate oceanic climate (Pau, France), the system achieves a maximum
electrical power of 3623 W in July, while January records the lowest thermal energy production, at 1125 W.
Hydrogen and oxygen production rates also peak in July, reaching 0.9984 g/min and 7.924 g/min, respectively,
compared to 0.422 g/min and 3.343 g/min in January. This work highlights the potential of integrated
renewable energy systems for sustainable energy production and provides valuable insights for optimizing
performance in similar climatic regions