Análise 4E na produção de hidrogênio por eletrólise a partir da energia solar fotovoltaica: estudos de caso no cenário brasileiro

Abstract

The transition to renewable energy sources is crucial for mitigating climate change and promoting energy sustainability. Hydrogen, obtained through electrolysis using renewable sources such as photovoltaic solar energy, stands out as a promising alternative. Thus, this work performs a comprehensive analysis of the hydrogen production system through alkaline electrolysis of water, contemplating energy, exergetic, environmental and economic aspects. The research involved the mathematical modeling of photovoltaic panel plants with capacities of 1, 5 and 10 MW, considering the climatic conditions of two Brazilian municipalities: Guanambi, in Bahia, and Janaúba, in Minas Gerais. Climate data, including solar radiation and temperature, collected at hourly intervals during one year, were used to estimate the capacity of solar photovoltaic generation. The energy generated was then used to perform the electrolysis of water, producing hydrogen gas, as well as to compress the hydrogen, which is then stored and destined for final consumption in various sectors, such as the fertilizer and paint industries, laboratories, the food industry and the chemical industry. The results show that the general system presented energy and exergy efficiencies of 18.01% and 15.91%, respectively. In addition, the levelized cost of electricity produced by photovoltaic panels ranged from 0.11 to 0.12 $/kWh in both municipalities, as well as the levelized cost of compressed hydrogen, which was in the range of 5.50 to 6.00 $/kg. In the environmental analysis, it was observed that for a 10 MW plant, the carbon dioxide mitigation compared to fuel oil and natural gas was equivalent to 163 Mt, 118 Mt and 576 Mt, for the municipality of Guanambi-BA, whose values are very close to the municipality of Janaúba-MG. In this way, this system can play a crucial role in the transition to a low-carbon economy, contributing to energy security and climate change mitigation. Continuous optimization and reduction of technological costs will be key to the long-term viability of this technology. In addition, the carbon credits generated by this system encourage the adoption of clean and sustainable technologies.