A preliminary techno-economic analysis of photofermentative hydrogen production

Genç Ş., KOKU H.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, cilt.52, ss.212-222, 2024 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 52
  • Basım Tarihi: 2024
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.03.475
  • Dergi Adı: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, Artic & Antarctic Regions, Chemical Abstracts Core, Communication Abstracts, Environment Index, INSPEC
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.212-222
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Biohydrogen, Economic analysis, Feasibility, Hydrogen cost, Photofermentation, Purple non-sulfur bacteria
  • Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Photofermentative hydrogen production promises sustainable energy using cheap feedstock and sunlight. While successful laboratory and pilot-scale photofermentative production studies are widespread, overall economic feasibility remains to be demonstrated. In this study, a preliminary techno-economic analysis of photofermentative production based on current technology was carried out, and the results were compared to alternatives such as photovoltaic electrolysis. Specific photofermentative hydrogen cost was estimated based on an existing outdoor, pilot-scale (20 L) photobioreactor system. The annual capital cost was calculated as 124 USD/year including equipment and land. Operating cost was calculated as 42 USD/year including maintenance, energy consumption and feedstock. The specific hydrogen production cost was found as 2.7 USD/mol (1362 USD/kg H2), and 395 USD/kg H2 when equipment cost is subsidized. Further analysis shows that utilization of wastewater as feedstock and a boost in hydrogen productivity could reduce specific cost of hydrogen to levels competitive with alternative technologies.