Data-Driven Economic analysis of hydrogen-power coupled integrated energy system

Energy system choices for zero-carbon parks are challenged by the drive towards a low-carbon transition. Traditional wind-power-gas integrated energy systems centred on natural gas and combined heat and power (CHP) are limited by high carbon capture and storage costs. The aim of this study is to assess the economic viability of an innovative hydrogen-electricity coupled integrated energy system centred on hydrogen production from renewable energy sources and to conduct a comparative analysis with conventional systems. The study begins with the collection of historical data on wind speed and solar radiation in the park over a number of years, which is used to analyse the output characteristics of the wind and photovoltaic systems in depth, providing a solid data base for the optimal design of the hydrogen-electric coupled system. Next, a techno-economic model was constructed to meet the park's demand for electricity, heat and transport energy. The capacity of each component in both systems was optimally configured to reduce the annualised cost of the system through a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) approach. Based on this, a comprehensive techno-economic analysis was conducted to compare the economic indicators of the two systems. The results of the analyses show that the hydrogen-electric coupling system has significant economic advantages, including a higher net present value (improved by 70.79%), a shorter payback period (reduced by 6.61%), and a higher internal rate of return. Sensitivity analyses further revealed the main factors affecting the economics of the hydrogen-electric coupling system, including the demand for hydrogen from vehicles in the park, electrolyser costs and wind turbine costs. The findings of this study provide an important reference for planning and decision-making on the energy system of a zero-carbon park and highlight the potential of hydrogen in the future energy supply of the park.