Hydrogen production from biomass via an iron oxide thermochemical cycle

ABSTRACT

The performance of hydrogen production using various types of biomass in an iron oxide-based thermochemical energy conversion system is assessed and compared. Since biomass, although abundant in supply, contains carbon, a mechanism for carbon capture and sequester could be used if greenhouse gas emissions are to be avoided (going beyond the neutrality of biomass in this regard). This is facilitated in the iron oxide based system because it enables separate streams for hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Hydrogen production trends are compared for various biomass inputs. The effects on hydrogen production are investigated for fuel moisture content. Simulation techniques are used. It is observed that a 10% moisture content in the source fuel eliminates the possibility of hydrogen production from low-grade biomass within the available energy region.

KEYWORDS:

• Hydrogen
• biomass
• chemical looping combustion
• iron oxide
• hydrogen energy
• carbon dioxide separation

Acknowledgements

The financial support provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada is gratefully acknowledged.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.