Co-production of hydrogen and electricity from lignocellulosic biomass: Process design and thermo-economic optimization

The thermochemical production of hydrogen from lignocellulosic biomass is systematically analyzed by developing thermo-environomic models combining thermodynamics with economic analysis, process integration techniques and optimization strategies for the conceptual process design. H-2 is produced by biomass gasification and subsequent gas treatment, followed by H-2 purification via CO2 removal. It is shown how the overall efficiency is improved by considering process integration and computing the optimal integration of combined heat and power production. In the conversion process, electricity can be generated in steam and gas turbine cycles using the combustion of the off-gases and recovering available process heat. Additional electricity can be produced by burning part of the H-2-rich intermediate or of the purified H-2 product. The trade-off between H-2 and electricity co-production and H-2 or,electricity only generation is assessed with regard to energy, economic and environmental considerations. Based on multi-objective optimization, the most promising options for the polygeneration of hydrogen, power and heat are identified with regard to different process configurations. The best compromise between efficiency, H-2 and/or electricity production cost and CO2 capture is identified. Biomass based H-2 and electricity reveal to be a competitive alternative in a future sustainable energy system. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.