Optimization of hybrid solar chimney power plant using Pearson and k-means analysis for green hydrogen and electricity production.

Abstract

Conventional solar chimney power plants (SCPPs) are hindered by low energy conversion efficiency and lack of integrated approaches for maximizing simultaneous green hydrogen and electricity production, especially when multiple interdependent system parameters interact nonlinearly. The study aims to optimize a novel hybrid SCPP configuration for dual-output, sustainable electricity and green hydrogen, by systematically analysing the influence and interplay of chimney inclination, solar radiation, collector absorptivity, and turbine pressure drop. Using CFD simulations that solve mass, momentum, and energy conservation equations, the research models complex buoyancy-driven flows within conical chimneys while integrating an electrolysis unit for hydrogen generation. Statistical correlation, priority weighting (AHP), and k-means clustering are employed to identify critical parameter dependencies, prioritize operational outcomes, and group optimal performance regimes. The optimal configuration is determined at an 8° chimney inclination, 800 W/m² solar radiation, collector absorptivity of 0.88, and 95 Pa turbine pressure drop, yielding an airflow velocity of 9.8 m/s, power output of 16.1 kW, and hydrogen generation of 0.62 kg/day. Correlation analysis reveals electricity and hydrogen outputs are maximized primarily by airflow velocity and power output under these synergistic parameter sets. The study establishes an effective operational envelope for SCPPs that achieves both high electricity and green hydrogen yields, outperforming conventional single-output designs. The integrated multi-objective approach and nuanced parameter selection lay a foundation for deploying versatile, cost-effective renewable energy systems tailored for dual-generation, thus advancing SCPP viability for sustainable energy transition.