Hydrogen production from biomass via moving bed sorption-enhanced reforming: Kinetic modeling and process simulation

This study explored a process intensification approach for hydrogen production through biomass gasification. Sorption-enhanced reforming (SER) in an autothermal countercurrent moving bed reformer is proposed as an alternative to multiple units traditionally required for syngas conditioning. This process utilizes the selective sorption and catalytic properties of calcium oxide to integrate multiple reforming reactions into a moving bed reactor. A multistage kinetic model was used to analyze and optimize the key operating parameters of the reformer. Results showed that the moving bed reformer completely converts all tars and increases the hydrogen concentration of syngas from 23 mol% to 80 mol% (dry basis). A comparison between equally sized models showed that the moving bed reformer outperforms a fluidized bed reformer under similar conditions. Simulation of the entire process showed that the hydrogen yield of the proposed SER process is 5% higher than the conventional process. In addition, the proposed process produces surplus electricity, while the conventional process has a 26% power deficit. The overall efficiency of the proposed process is 3.5% higher than the conventional process. The improved process efficiency, coupled with the potentially lower costs of a streamlined process, indicates that the proposed process is a promising route for green hydrogen production.