Multi-functional hybrid energy system for zero-energy residential buildings: Integrating hydrogen production and renewable energy solutions

The increasing global residential energy demand causes carbon emissions and ecological impacts, necessitating cleaner, efficient solutions. This study presents an innovative hybrid energy system integrating wind power and gas turbines for a four-story, 16-unit residential building. The system generates electricity, heating, cooling, and hydrogen using a Proton Exchange Membrane electrolyzer and a compression chiller. Integrating the electrolyzer enables hydrogen production and demonstrates hydrogen's potential as a versatile, clean energy carrier for systems, contributing to advancements in hydrogen utilization. Simulations with Engineering Equation Solver software, coupled with neural network-based multi-objective optimization, fine-tuned parameters such as gas turbine efficiency, wind turbine count, and gas turbine inlet temperature to enhance exergy efficiency and reduce operational costs. The optimized system achieves an energy efficiency of 33.69% and an exergy efficiency of 36.95% and operates at $446.04 per hour, demonstrating economic viability. It produces 51,061 MWh annually, exceeding the building's energy demands and allowing surplus energy use elsewhere. BEopt simulations confirm the system meets residential needs by providing 2.52 GWh of electricity, 3.36 GWh of heating, and 5.11 GWh of cooling annually. This system also generates 10 kg of hydrogen per hour and achieves a CO₂ reduction of 10,416 tons/year. The wind farm (25 turbines) provides most of the energy at 396.7 dollars per hour, while the gas turbine operates at 80% efficiency. By addressing the challenges of intermittent renewable energy in residential Zero-Energy Buildings, this research offers a scalable and environmentally friendly solution, contributing to sustainable urban living and advancing hydrogen energy applications.