Optimal design of renewable driven polygeneration system: A novel approach integrating TRNSYS-GenOpt linkage
Muhammad Shoaib Saleem, Naeem Abas
Abstract
Amid energy crisis, population growth, expanding energy demand the utilities face limited supply of hydrocarbons due to depletion of available reserves. The future of energy supply quest for sustainable polygeneration system by integrating solar thermal, photovoltaic, wind and geothermal energy. The system is designed to produce multiple energy vectors including electricity, space heating & cooling, hydrogen, oxygen, pure water, domestic hot water, and electric vehicle charging. The key innovation lies in optimal integration of energy conversion devices with a multi-tiered backup system featuring thermal, electric, and pressurized hydrogen storage which provide uninterrupted operation during intermittent weathers. The system is modeled and simulated using TRNSYS® and optimized via GenOpt by applying Hooke-Jeeve’s algorithm. The results of optimal system having bore hole depth 100m, collector area 560m 2 , tank volume 15m 3 , wind turbine hub height 46m, PV module area1.5m 2 , electrolyzer electrode area 0.25m 2 , fuel cell electrode area 0.01m 2 show that the solar thermal collector achieves a peak efficiency ( η ) of 74% and a solar fraction ( f ) of 0.78, delivering 8,020 MJ of heat gain annually. The thermally stratified storage tank provides 7,105 MJ of heat energy by efficiently utilizing stored energy. Hydrogen production via electrolyzer reaches 54 m³ per day and 12,696 m³ annually, contributing to green energy storage. The wind energy system generates 1,000 kWh daily at 41% efficiency. This study demonstrates the feasibility and performance of a hybrid polygeneration system, highlighting the potential of integrated renewable systems to meet diversified energy needs with enhanced storage solutions. • Renewable polygeneration combines solar, wind, and ground heat to produce multiple energy vectors. • Achieves 78% solar fraction, 95% electrolyzer, and 41% wind efficiency. • Smart storage integrates hydrogen, thermal, and battery systems to manage intermittency. • Supports sustainable energy transition towards a hydrogen economy.