System-level integrative analyses for production of lignin hydrogels

Self Cite

The toluene (TOL)–methylcyclohexane (MCH) system is one of the viable solutions because of its high stability and high hydrogen storage capacity (6.2%). However, the high volatilities of TOL and MCH and the accumulative byproducts make it difficult to transport hydrogen. Considering these limitations, we developed a new strategy introducing an extraction column and pressure swing adsorption with heat integration to reduce the required energy utilities. Furthermore, a comprehensive system-level analysis was conducted through an application example of the transport of hydrogen from Australia to Korea. The minimum transport cost of hydrogen was determined to be $2.17/kg-H2 via techno-economic analysis. Sensitivity and uncertainty analyses revealed the influence of the economic and process parameters. Finally, a life cycle assessment was conducted to compare the environmental impact (EI) of each part. Although dehydrogenation is more energy-demanding than hydrogenation, hydrogenation has larger EIs for some factors including fossil resource scarcity (13% larger) and water consumption (746% larger), due to the toluene and hydrogen makeup. Furthermore, we compared changes in the EIs in the energy sources. This study can provide insights into the optimization and decision-making of hydrogen supply chains to revitalize the hydrogen economy.

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A System-Level Analysis for Long-Distance Hydrogen Transport Using Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHCs): A Case Study in Australia–Korea

Ahn,

Sohn,

Liu

et al. 2024

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“…A life-cycle assessment (LCA) of the developed LHRS system was carried out in accordance with the international standards, ISO 14040 and 14044, − to compare it with the conventional GHRS. Following ISO standards, the life-cycle assessment procedure is as follows: 1) goal and scope definition, 2) life-cycle inventory analysis, 3) life-cycle impact assessment, and 4) life-cycle interpretation. − …”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Energy-Efficient and Sustainable Design of a Hydrogen Refueling Station Utilizing the Cold Energy of Liquid Hydrogen

Gong,

Na,

Kim

et al. 2024

The growing demand for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles requires an energy-efficient and sustainable hydrogen refueling infrastructure. However, conventional gaseous hydrogen refueling stations have limitations in improving energy efficiency and sustainability because they consume a significant amount of electricity during hydrogen compression and cooling processes. Herein, we propose a sustainable design for hydrogen refueling stations that utilizes the cold energy of liquid hydrogen to improve energy efficiency and reduce the life-cycle environmental impact. The process design involves utilizing the cold energy of liquid hydrogen for hydrogen cooling through a heat exchanger and electricity generation through an organic Rankine cycle. Furthermore, the developed process design substantially reduces energy consumption in the hydrogen compression process by using a liquid hydrogen pump instead of a low-pressure (LP) compressor. Energy efficiency analysis and life-cycle assessment were performed to verify that the new design is preferable to the conventional gaseous hydrogen refueling station. Consequently, this study demonstrates the potential of the developed liquid hydrogen refueling system to enhance the sustainability of future hydrogen refueling infrastructures.

“…Process integration and optimization can reduce energy consumption and improve process performance. Techno-economic analysis (TEA) can be used to elucidate the economic feasibility and scalability of this technology. − Furthermore, it is important to assess the net environmental benefits of bioplastics, given that the production of bioplastics generates carbon emissions and consumes fossil energy. The use of fertilizers and pesticides, water consumption, and soil depletion during agricultural processes can negatively affect the environment. , A life-cycle assessment (LCA) is conducted to quantify the environmental impact throughout the production system life cycle .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Process Integration for the Production of Bioplastic Monomer: Techno-Economic Analysis and Life-Cycle Assessment

Yang,

Seo,

Kwon

et al. 2024

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The transition from fossil fuels to biomass as a source of polymeric materials is regarded as a sustainable approach. 2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is an alternative to terephthalic acid (TPA), a petrochemical monomer used to produce polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Polycondensation of FDCA yields polyethylene furan-2,5-dicarboxylate (PEF), which exhibits superior properties to PET. In this study, an integrated process was developed for converting biomass-derived glucose into FDCA. Heat integration through pinch analysis was employed to minimize energy consumption. The minimum selling price (MSP) was calculated based on discounted cash flow analysis. The MSP of FDCA was estimated to be $1064/tonne, which is cost-competitive compared to the most recent (June 2023) production cost of TPA, with an MSP of $1110/tonne. Life-cycle assessment was used to estimate the environmental impacts associated with FDCA production. Finally, a sensitivity analysis was performed to identify the impact of the key process parameters on the economic and environmental performance. The results show that a variation of ±20% in the feedstock price can impact the MSP to vary ±7% and the global warming potential to vary ±12%.