Performance assessment of hydrogen production from a solar-assisted biomass gasification system

Abstract

In this study we investigate a solar-assisted biomass gasification system for hydrogen production and assess its performance thermodynamically using actual literature data. We also analyze the entire system both energetically and exergetically and evaluate its performance through both energy and exergy efficiencies. Three feedstocks namely beech charcoal sewage sludge and fluff are considered as samples in the same reactor. While energy efficiencies vary from 14.14% to 27.29% exergy efficiencies change from 10.43% to 23.92%. We use a sustainability index (SI) as a function of exergy efficiency to calculate the impacts on sustainable development and environment. This index changes from 1.12 to 1.31 due to intensive utilization of solar energy. Also environmental impact of these systems is evaluated through calculating the specific greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. They are determined to be 17.97 17.51 and 26.74 g CO2/MJ H-2 for beech charcoal sewage sludge and fluff respectively. Copyright (C) 2013 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.