Integration of biomass gasification and O2/H2 separation membranes for H2 production/separation with inherent CO2 capture: Techno-economic evaluation and artificial neural network based multi-objective optimization

This study delves into the thermodynamic and techno-economic intricacies of a cutting-edge hydrogen production system driven by biomass gasification. The quest for zero emissions propels our innovative integration of an oxygen transport membrane and a hydrogen separation membrane, strategically optimized through artificial intelligence. By situating the oxygen transport membrane near the gasifier, efficient heat transfer and oxygen production synergistically enhance the molar fraction of hydrogen in the syngas. Subsequent utilization of the hydrogen separation membrane, coupled with water gas shift reactors, not only facilitates hydrogen separation and purification but also achieves inherent carbon dioxide capture and storage. This novel membrane-based approach obviates the need for a conventional carbon capture system. Before optimization, our system exhibited a generation rate of approximately 10.29 tons of H2 per day. The levelized cost of production stands at $2.78 per kilogram of hydrogen, with power consumption estimated at 2.99 kWh/kg-H2. The calculated payback period is 9.96 years, considering a sales cost of $3.50 per kg-H2. Multi objective optimization reveals promising prospects, with a potential 26% reduction in power consumption in one scenario. An alternative scenario indicates a remarkable 20% decrease in the system's payback period, accompanied by an 8% dip in the levelized cost of H2. These findings underscore the economic and energy benefits of our membrane-integrated hydrogen production system.