Process optimization of integrated hydrogen production process with local resources

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a superstructure to determine the hydrogen pathway based on optimum economic and environmental performances. Some potential biomass waste for hydrogen synthesis were considered. Two case studies were conceptualized to evaluate the mathematical model. Case 1 considered the economic performance of the model with the objective function of minimizing total cost. Case 2 was a multi-objective scenario which examined both the economic and environmental performances of the model. For case 1, steam gasification of palm kernel shell was chosen as the optimal hydrogen synthesis pathway with the total cost targeted as $ 0.64 million per year. For case 2, an annual total cost of $ 0.68 million was recorded. Besides, 4438572.96 kg CO2-eq was released per kg of H2 produced.