Optimizing size and evaluating Techno-Enviro-Economic Feasibility of hybrid renewable energy to power RO/Well unit

The present investigation focuses on the Techno-Enviro-Economic assessment of a hybrid renewable energy system employing Homer software to identify an optimal system to power the Reverse Osmosis/Well (RO/Well) unit, with a capacity of 500 m3/d in the Salbukh region of Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The proposed system encompasses photovoltaics (PV), a wind turbine (WT), fuel cells (FCs), a reformer (RF), an electrolyzer (Elec), a hydrogen tank (HT), and a battery (BT). The hybrid system, comprising 325 PV, 6 WT, 100 kW FCs, and a reformer that produces 6 kg of hydrogen (H2)/h, emerges as the most cost-effective and efficient solution, with a cost of energy (COE) amounting to $0.135/kWh. This configuration offers a balanced approach to energy generation, ensuring a more consistent energy supply, and enhancing system reliability. Although the 9 kg H2/hr RF-148 kW FCs system offers the lowest COE ($0.100/kWh), it relies entirely on fossil fuels, namely natural gas (NG). Conversely, the system is powered exclusively by renewable energy derived from PV planes, and WT records the highest COE ($0.199/kWh). The investigation provides valuable insights into developing sustainable energy solutions while taking cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and environmental considerations into account.