Multi-criteria study and machine learning optimization of a novel heat integration for combined electricity, heat, and hydrogen production: Application of biogas-fueled S-Graz plant and biogas steam reforming

The current research introduces an environmentally friendly heat design method by employing biogas fuel, aiming to yield electricity, hydrogen, and heating load simultaneously. The proposed arrangement consists of a biogas-powered S-Graz plant and a biogas steam reforming cycle. Although methane-fueled S-Graz plants for multigeneration purposes have been studied in previous studies, research on employing biogas fuel to launch a S-Graz plant and integrating a biogas steam reforming cycle with such a plant has yet to be examined. The model is simulated using the engineering equation solver software, and the study includes thermodynamic, exergoeconomic, and sustainability assessments to show the potential of the suggested configuration. By conducting a sensitivity study, a machine learning optimization method within MATLAB is implemented to exhibit the final optimal solution for the proposed arrangement. This optimization uses artificial neural networks and a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II algorithm in a triple-objective framework based on energy efficiency, sustainability index, and products’ specific cost. The optimization demonstrates that the mentioned objectives reach optimal values of 58.26 %, 4.56, and 15.56 $/GJ, respectively. Also, the optimal net output power and hydrogen production rate equal 5746 kW and 1.45 m³/s, respectively. Besides, the process determines the optimal exergy efficiency, total net present value, and payback period as 52.70 %, 50.3 M$, and 8.96 years, respectively. The total investment cost rate for this system also is found to be 219.8 $/h.