Scenario-Based Techno-Economic Analysis of Steam Methane Reforming Process for Hydrogen Production

Abstract

Steam methane reforming (SMR) process is regarded as a viable option to satisfy the growing demand for hydrogen, mainly because of its capability for the mass production of hydrogen and the maturity of the technology. In this study, an economically optimal process configuration of SMR is proposed by investigating six scenarios with different design and operating conditions, including CO2 emission permits and CO2 capture and sale. Of the six scenarios, the process configuration involving CO2 capture and sale is the most economical, with an H2 production cost of $1.80/kg-H2. A wide range of economic analyses is performed to identify the tradeoffs and cost drivers of the SMR process in the economically optimal scenario. Depending on the CO2 selling price and the CO2 capture cost, the economic feasibility of the SMR-based H2 production process can be further improved.

Process development and analyses for the co‐production of 2‐methyltetrahydrofuran and 1,4‐pentanediol from lignocellulosic biomass

“…Therefore, we conduct HI for the proposed process based on a pinch analysis, which involves designing heat exchange networks (HEN) to complement the deficiency with excess (Kim, Lee, Lee, & Won, 2021). Then, the minimum utility consumption is calculated based on a composite curve for the proposed process using the Aspen Energy Analyzer (Lee et al, 2021). The energy generated from biomass residues is calculated based on Aspen Plus and experimental data, and the energy generated from wastewater treatment is calculated based on a method used in the NREL reports (Davis et al, 2015; Humbird et al, 2011).…”

The current status of hydrogen energy: an overview

“…Here, steam methane reforming from natural gas or light hydrocarbons is the hydrocarbon reformation technique that is most frequently utilized. The general process of methane steam reforming can be described by following equations: [31][32][33] -Steam reforming reaction:…”

Process Integration and Optimization for Sustainable and Circular Hydrogen Production

“…𝐹 "𝐻" = ∑ 𝐹 𝑡𝑗,"𝐻" 𝑡𝑗 (5) 𝐹 "𝐻" = 𝐹 "𝐻 1 " + 𝐹 "𝐻 2 " (6) For the net CO2 emissions, the first source considered is the CO2 produced by the processing technologies (Ftj,"c") and the second one is that associated with the energy consumed by the processes Assuming that electricity imported from the grid, often derived from fossil fuels, has an average carbon footprint of 0.386 kg of CO2 per kWh of energy, the associated CO2 emissions (FEL,"c") can be obtained from equations (7) and (8). The total electricity required is calculated from equation (9). From H2, the products, p'' (EL or W), can be obtained from equation (10).…”