Techno-Economic Analysis of Bio-Waste Valorization for Hydrogen Production using Supercritical Water Reforming Technology

This project provides an in-depth techno-economic analysis (TEA) of a bio-based waste valorization plant that uses supercritical water reforming (SCWR) technology to convert bio-based glycerol, a byproduct of biodiesel production, into hydrogen (Figs 1 and 2). The analysis covers glycerol waste valorization using SCWR technology, the technical process, economic feasibility, and the potential industrial and domestic applications of hydrogen.

Objectives: 1) To Evaluate Glycerol Production and Availability: Analyze literature data from biodiesel production to quantify the availability of glycerol byproduct, leveraging research by Khalil (2021) and Ciriminna et al. (2014), 2)  To Assess the Economic Feasibility of using SCWR Technology: Determine the cost-effectiveness and potential savings of converting glycerol into hydrogen compared to other methods such as direct steam reforming (SR) and advanced supercritical water reforming (ASCWR), 3) To Design and Simulate a SCWR Plant for Efficient Hydrogen Production: Develop a plant process design and use Aspen HYSYS to simulate the plant for hydrogen yield from glycerol as the feedstock, and 4) To Highlight the Economic and Environmental Benefits of this Waste Valorization Technology: Perform plant economics analysis and calculate the cost of hydrogen production (in $/kg) from this waste valorization technology. Also, discuss how hydrogen production from bio-waste can support sustainability goals, including reducing carbon emissions and adding economic value to biodiesel production processes.