Operational optimization of integrated thermal energy systems using steam methane reforming electrolysis coupling for hydrogen and electricity production
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Barun K. Das: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5687-4768
Abstract
Integrated thermal-energy systems combined with steam methane reforming with renewable electricity offer a practical pathway for the cogeneration of hydrogen and electricity. This study develops an operational optimization framework that explicitly captures operational load-sharing between SMR and electrolysis in on-grid and off-grid configurations. The framework is applied to a large-scale energy system to meet electricity and hydrogen demands simultaneously. The Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (NSGA-II) and an enhanced Fuzzy-Bellman decision-making approach are employed to optimize the Levelized Costs of Electricity (LCOE) and Life Cycle Emissions (LCE), while the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) is evaluated as a key performance indicator of the optimized solution. Results indicate that SMR-electrolysis operation in the on-grid system enables a minimum LCOH of $0.87 kg−1, achieved through a balanced fuel-based and renewable hydrogen generation while reducing methane consumption by 12%. Grid-assisted operation further reduces energy losses by 40% and LCE by 81.4% compared with conventional fossil-fuel benchmarks. While the on-grid system delivers the lowest energy costs and renewable penetration, the off-grid configuration enables fully renewable operation at higher costs due to increased storage requirements. The results show that operating the thermal and electrochemical hydrogen pathways together, rather than relying on component sizing alone, improves energy conversion efficiency, emissions and system flexibility. The proposed framework supports the design and operation of integrated thermal-energy systems.
Keywords
Integrated thermal-energy systems, operational optimization, steam methane reforming, renewable energy integration, hydrogen and energy production
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
7-1-2026
Volume
299
Publication Title
Applied Thermal Engineering
Publisher
Elsevier
School
School of Engineering
Funders
This work was supported by the Australian University, Kuwait, under the Seed Research Fund (Ref: MEMO.SRC.2025/2026.07).
Copyright
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Comments
Hussam, W. K., Jaman, A., Das, B. K., Mohtasim, M. S., Anik, A. A., & Sheard, G. J. (2026). Operational optimization of integrated thermal energy systems using steam methane reforming electrolysis coupling for hydrogen and electricity production. Applied Thermal Engineering, 299, 131233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2026.131233