Techno-Economic Analysis of Integrating Hydrogen Assets into Sustainable Energy Systems

Abstract

Through this master thesis, I will explore and analyze the production processes of the CARBIOW project through a case study. This ongoing EU-funded research and innovation initiative includes Svaaheia Eiendom AS as a key partner, collaborating with several other partners from seven different EU countries. The CARBIOW project is a pilot initiative focused on utilizing an innovative combination of technologies to convert the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) into various biofuels and hydrogen, demonstrating a targeted approach to sustainable waste management. The hydrogen produced is designated to serve as a sustainable fuel alternative within the maritime sector of southern Norway, with a specific application in small ferries and vessels. This is in line with the project’s objective to develop an efficient, scalable process that shifts from conventional fossil fuels to more sustainable, carbon-negative options.

This study will conduct an in-depth examination of the various subprocesses within the applied biofuel energy system of the case company. The focus will be on the integration of a hydrogen system using the same conversion technologies as the biofuel energy system (torrefaction, gasification, electrolysis and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis) to convert OFMSW into high purity hydrogen. The applied conversion technologies revolve around the production of clean syngas, an essential gaseous chemical intermediary predominantly composed of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Hydrogen is then extracted from this syngas through techniques like pressure swing adsorption.

Focusing primarily on mass and energy balances, the simulation of the hydrogen production system aims to illustrate how simulation modeling can effectively analyze operational and environmental process parameters. To evaluate the feasibility of setting up a hydrogen production plant at Svaaheia’s existing waste management facility, scenario modeling will assess key economic factors including energy consumption and water consumption. The developed discrete event model will further investigate potential supply chains for the produced hydrogen, assessing factors that can impact the overall economic and environmental sustainability of the case project. This discrete event model provides insights into the logistics of transporting hydrogen, establishing a foundational approach for comparing different transportation methods along with their associated costs and emissions.

The developed simulation models aim to advance research in establishing synergies between two vital environmental sectors: green hydrogen production and effective waste management. Through simulation modeling, this case study develops an exploratory tool to assess process parameters and analyze the economic feasibility of hydrogen production from OFMSW at the specified location. This initiative aims to foster integrated and optimized approaches to evaluate and enhance resource efficiency while mitigating environmental impacts across these two environmental sectors.