A solar–biomass chemical-looping multigeneration system for renewable propane and hydrogen production in low-carbon buildings

Abstract This study presents a novel solar–biomass chemical-looping multigeneration system for simultaneous production of renewable propane, hydrogen, electricity, and heat for low-carbon buildings. The configuration integrates concentrated solar power, chemical-looping biomass pyrolysis, methanol-to-propylene conversion, and molten salt thermal storage at 600°C–700°C. Thermodynamic analysis reveals energy and exergy efficiencies of 65.7% and 64.6%, respectively, producing 1094.29 kg/hour propane, 49.02 kg/hour hydrogen, 1688 kW electricity, and 9518 kW heat. Environmental assessment demonstrates carbon intensity of −0.233 kg CO₂-eq per kg propane a 177.7% reduction versus fossil-based LPG through biochar sequestration. Economic analysis indicates levelized propane cost of $0.514/kg, competitive with existing renewable pathways. Parametric studies show that increasing thermal storage temperature from 600°C to 700°C enhances propane production by 2.0% while reducing hydrogen output by 6.5%, demonstrating operational flexibility for optimizing product distribution.

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