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Biological fermentation pilot-scale systems and evaluation for commercial viability towards sustainable biohydrogen production

Author

Listed:
  • Quanguo Zhang

    (Henan Agricultural University
    Huanghe S & T University)

  • Youzhou Jiao

    (Henan Agricultural University)

  • Chao He

    (Henan Agricultural University)

  • Roger Ruan

    (University of Minnesota)

  • Jianjun Hu

    (Henan Agricultural University)

  • Jingzheng Ren

    (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

  • Sara Toniolo

    (University of Verona)

  • Danping Jiang

    (Henan Agricultural University
    Huanghe S & T University)

  • Chaoyang Lu

    (Henan Agricultural University)

  • Yameng Li

    (Henan Agricultural University
    Huanghe S & T University)

  • Yi Man

    (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

  • Huan Zhang

    (Henan Agricultural University
    Henan Agricultural University)

  • Zhiping Zhang

    (Henan Agricultural University
    Henan Agricultural University)

  • Chenxi Xia

    (Huanghe S & T University)

  • Yi Wang

    (Henan Agricultural University)

  • Yanyan Jing

    (Henan Agricultural University
    Henan Agricultural University)

  • Xueting Zhang

    (Huanghe S & T University)

  • Ruojue Lin

    (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

  • Gang Li

    (Henan Agricultural University)

  • Jianzhi Yue

    (Henan Agricultural University)

  • Nadeem Tahir

    (Henan Agricultural University)

Abstract

Featuring high caloric value, clean-burning, and renewability, hydrogen is a fuel believed to be able to change energy structure worldwide. Biohydrogen production technologies effectively utilize waste biomass resources and produce high-purity hydrogen. Improvements have been made in the biohydrogen production process in recent years. However, there is a lack of operational data and sustainability analysis from pilot plants to provide a reference for commercial operations. In this report, based on spectrum coupling, thermal effect, and multiphase flow properties of hydrogen production, continuous pilot-scale biohydrogen production systems (dark and photo-fermentation) are established as a research subject. Then, pilot-scale hydrogen production systems are assessed in terms of sustainability. The system being evaluated, consumes 171,530 MJ of energy and emits 9.37 t of CO2 eq when producing 1 t H2, and has a payback period of 6.86 years. Our analysis also suggests future pathways towards effective biohydrogen production technology development and real-world implementation.

Suggested Citation

  • Quanguo Zhang & Youzhou Jiao & Chao He & Roger Ruan & Jianjun Hu & Jingzheng Ren & Sara Toniolo & Danping Jiang & Chaoyang Lu & Yameng Li & Yi Man & Huan Zhang & Zhiping Zhang & Chenxi Xia & Yi Wang &, 2024. "Biological fermentation pilot-scale systems and evaluation for commercial viability towards sustainable biohydrogen production," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-48790-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48790-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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