Solar Based Poly-Generation for a Carbon-Neutral Future: A Review with Focus on Hydrogen Production

Abstract

The solar based energy systems shows a significant contribution in accomplishing global sustainability goals and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollutant levels. Increase in development of multi-generation systems is predominantly significant, since these systems are efficiently address the growing and diverse demands of energy needs. Simultaneously, hydrogen has emerged as a promising alternative fuel, garnering considerable attention for its potential to replace conventional energy sources. In addition to hydrogen, other distinctive outputs like power, heating, cooling, domestic hot water, and freshwater demands can be met using this technology. As the energy from the sun is being used extensively for electricity and heat generation, photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) systems are emerging as highly reliable and capable approach for sustainable energy solutions. This study emphasizes on the inclusion of hydrogen production methods into poly-generation systems. And recent progresses in concentrated photovoltaic-thermal and photovoltaic-thermal technologies, focusing on improvements in system performance. This study clinches that different system configurations, and incorporation with new technologies have significantly optimized PVT designs. Looking ahead, PVT systems offer a promising route for clean energy production. Further progress in cost-competitiveness could drive broader adoption. Additionally, it presents the growing demand to explore the potential of green hydrogen as an energy source and as an energy carrier. A critical study has been carried out on energy performance, exergy efficiency, economic feasibility, and rate of production of hydrogen. Finally the study reveals that, concentrating photovoltaic thermal plants accomplish exceptional energy and exergy efficiencies in multi-generation systems.