Title: Energy and exergy efficiency optimisation for solar-integrated hydrogen fuel stations with synergy of electrocatalysis and chemical reactions

Authors: Yan Tao; Anqi Wu; Xiaoshuang Hu

Addresses: Shaanxi Energy Institute, Shaanxi Province, Xianyang City, 712000, China ' Shaanxi Energy Institute, Shaanxi Province, Xianyang City, 712000, China ' Tangshan Vocational College of Science and Technology, Hebei Province, Tangshan City, 063000, China

Abstract: A hybrid model combining is proposed for accurate direct normal irradiance (DNI) forecasting. The model significantly outperforms SARIMAX and GRU benchmarks, with an average R² of 0.975. Enhanced DNI prediction enables optimised operation of a photovoltaic-powered hydrogen refuelling station, aligning solar input with hydrogen production needs. A techno-economic analysis confirms system feasibility, achieving a levelised cost of hydrogen of 3.20/kg and a net present cost of $2.14 million. Exergy analysis shows the rising irreversibility (10 kW-35 kW) with PV array size (3,000 m²-6,000 m²), revealing key energy-efficiency tradeoffs for optimal system design.

Keywords: hydrogen fuel station; solar energy integration; DNI forecasting; energy and entropy efficiency; exergy analysis; techno-economic optimisation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEX.2025.150019

International Journal of Exergy, 2025 Vol.48 No.3, pp.259 - 279

Received: 30 Mar 2025
Accepted: 13 Jul 2025
Published online: 21 Nov 2025 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article