Process simulation and techno-economic assessment of SER steam gasification for hydrogen production

Abstract In the SER (sorption enhanced reforming) gasification process a nitrogen-free, high calorific product gas can be produced. In addition, due to low gasification temperatures of 600–750 °C and the use of limestone as bed material, in-situ CO 2 capture is possible, leading to a hydrogen-rich and carbon-lean product gas. In this paper, results from a bubbling fluidised bed gasification model are compared to results of process demonstration tests in a 200 kW th pilot plant. Based upon that, a concept for the hydrogen production via biomass SER gasification is studied in terms of efficiency and feasibility. Capital and operational expenditures as well as hydrogen production costs are calculated in a techno-economic assessment study. Furthermore, market framework conditions are discussed under which an economic hydrogen production via SER gasification is possible.