Thermoeconomic analysis and optimization of Claude hydrogen liquefaction cycle integrated with helium based Joule–Brayton precooling cycle in novel geothermal multigeneration system

This study investigates a comprehensive multigeneration system that utilizes renewable geothermal energy. The system comprises an innovative hydrogen liquefaction subsystem, a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, a cascade organic Rankine cycle, and a geothermal unit. The thermodynamic and economic performance of the system was rigorously evaluated, and parameter-based analysis was conducted to assess how key variables influence overall efficiency. This study highlights critical financial and hydrogen-related factors, as well as potential solutions necessary for the successful development of hydrogen production based on low-temperature geothermal energy. This study introduces a novel heat integration procedure for the multigeneration system, employing an optimized thermal matching technique to significantly reduce irreversibility in the simultaneous production of coolant and liquefied hydrogen. This research provides a comprehensive analysis of geothermal technology and hydrogen production methods, comparing various hydrogen generation options based on production rates, economic feasibility, and energy and exergy efficiency. By identifying the optimal operating conditions, a two-objective genetic optimization algorithm is utilized to enhance the system’s performance. The thermodynamic evaluation demonstrates an energy efficiency of 20% and an exergy efficiency of 54%. It is anticipated that the system will generate 7103 kW of output power and produce hydrogen at a rate of 1.75 kg/h. According to the analysis, the hydrogen liquefaction cycle has a total energy loss of 788 293 kW and a work input of 2859 kW. The project’s financial feasibility is further supported by the economic assessment, which indicates a total system cost of 52.24 $/h, a levelized cost of hydrogen production of 16.54 $/kg, and a levelized cost of electricity generation of 10.03 cents/kWh.