A novel hybrid photovoltaic/thermal-fuel cell system for efficient hydrogen, heat, and power generation: Techno-economic and environmental evaluation

This article presents techno-economic and environmental (3E) assessment of a novel hybrid photovoltaic thermal solar collector and fuel cell (PVT-FC) system for integrated electricity, heat, and green hydrogen (CPHH) production. The system configuration consists of PVT units, an electrolyzer, fuel cells (FCs), an inverter, and water and hydrogen storage tanks. The study uses MATLAB/Simulink® to assess technical, economic, and environmental factors, enhancing efficiency and competitiveness over conventional PV/FC systems. Key performance metrics including total power generation (P_PVT-FC), hydrogen mass production (m_PVT-FC), gross thermal power output (Q_PVT-FC) and overall system efficiency (η_PVT-FC) as well as levelized cost of energy (LCOE), levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH), Total Carbon Emission Reduction (TCER), and associated financial savings were assessed. The influences of system parameters—coolant inlet and outlet temperatures, mass flow rate, electrolyzer efficiency, fuel cell temperature and cell count—on output performance were explored. Findings reveal that as cooling fluid inlet temperature increases from 4 °C to 32 °C, the P_PVT-FC and m_PVT-FC declined. The P_PVT-FC dropping from 2.0 kW to 0.75 kW and the η_PVT-FC 16%–8%, while the Q_PVT-FC remains stable at ∼689.5 kW. Increasing the coolant outlet temperature and electrolyzer efficiency enhances m_PVT-FC and η_PVT-FC reaching a maximum efficiency of 18.06% at a 0.5 kg/s flow rate. Furthermore, increasing fuel cell temperature from 40 °C to 100 °C significantly improves overall η_PVT-FC and m_PVT-FC, demonstrating the direct impact of thermal regulation on system performance. Results at different outlet temperatures show that higher coolant flow rates and electrolyzer efficiencies improve hydrogen yield and system efficiency, achieving a maximum of 18.06% efficiency at 0.5 kg/s flow rate. Economically, the LCOE remains steady at ∼0.25 $/kWh, while LCOH varies between 53 $/kg and 56 $/kg as the outlet temperature increases to 60 °C. Increasing the number of fuel cells from 50 to 400 reduces LCOE but increases LCOH, while significantly boosting CO₂ emissions reduction and financial savings, achieving up to 350 tons of CO₂ reduction and approximately $900/h in savings. The proposed system presents an innovative and efficient solution for the integrated production of electricity, heat, and green hydrogen (CPHH).