Solar-Powered Energy Systems for Water Desalination, Power, Cooling, Heating, and Hydrogen Production: Exergy and Exergoeconomic Analysis

The global energy matrix is changing into a smart energy system, day by day. From different characteristics of a smart energy system, a dominant role of renewable energy systems, active interaction of different energy sectors, solid integration with existing energy systems, application of clean energy technologies, the lowest rates of loss, and the highest possible rate of the utilization of waste or freely available energy resources can be mentioned. However, this transition process into a smart energy system is challenging and asks for thorough attention of scientists to address the gaps related to the available energy sources. Naturally, solar power is one of the most important renewable sources in the global energy sector. Yet, this clean energy source suffers from the irregular profiles of availability since providing an accurate long-term estimate of its fluctuations is almost impossible. Therefore, in order to develop a reliable energy system, the solution could be the energy storage technologies or energy carriers like hydrogen generation. The most recent researches have revealed that hydrogen as an energy carrier can facilitate sustainable energy systems. In this chapter, more attention is paid to the solar-driven reliable energy-converting systems equipped with auxiliary equipment for energy storage.