Technical and environmental analysis on the power production from residual biomass using hydrogen as energy vector. (September 2021) - Sanchez, Nestor
Abstract: Decarbonization of energy by using renewable sources is a global need to tackle climate change. Herein, we report on the techno-environmental analysis of the use of sugarcane press-mud, a residual biomass, as feedstock to produce power in a fuel cell by using hydrogen (H2 ) as energy vector. Technical analysis was performed by using experimental and Aspen plus simulation results whereas environmental analysis was assessed through life cycle assessment. Raw bioethanol was used as H2 source, which was purified by three different technologies, i.e., flash, mash, and rectification columns. Mash column was selected as the suitable process to purify bioethanol for producing H2 and power, mainly ascribed to the reduction of bioethanol impurities that increases H2 yield, reduces energy demand, and mitigates the environmental impact in terms of global warming potential and acidification potential. This technology presented an energy efficiency of 56 %, a renewability factor of 1.24 and a carbon footprint of 1.21 kg CO2 kWh −1 . Additionally, the use of residual biomass showed environmental benefits in comparison with the use of first-generation bioethanol from sugarcane molasses. Therefore, using sugarcane press-mud as power source in rural areas can diversify the energy sources to move towards a decarbonized economy. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Sugarcane press-mud is a residual biomass largely produced in Colombia. LCA of power production from this residual biomass is presented. Power was produced via H2 -fuel cell with an 56% overall energy efficiency. H2 production stage was the main hotspot during power production. Process renewability was 1.24, with a carbon footprint of 1.21 kg CO2 kWh −1 .