Biohydrogen production and bagasse gasification process in the sugarcane industry

Abstract

The steam reforming of ethanol and the gasification of sugarcane bagasse processes integrated with gas turbine combined cycle have been considered to produce biohydrogen and other bioelectricity forms. Biohydrogen obtained through alternative sources of energy, in this case sugarcane bagasse, may contribute to future demands for renewable energy and can replace fossil fuels. In order to investigate the technical viability of incorporating these processes, a thermodynamic analysis has been carried out using data about a typical Brazilian sugarcane industry. Furthermore, the economic viability of biohydrogen production processes has been investigated by comparing its cost with that of the steam reforming of hydrous and anhydrous ethanol. In addition, studies on the engineering economics of gasification processes that generate electricity were taken into account. Lastly, an ecological analysis has been carried out to determine the levels of pollutant emissions, equivalent carbon dioxide, pollutant indicators, and ecological efficiencies of the technological developments proposed. This chapter aims to introduce the incorporation of new technologies applied in the sugarcane industry. The steam reform of ethanol process is used to add a new product of high energy; biohydrogen. The gasification process is to improve the power supply of conventional plants and for the marketing of the production of surplus bioelectricity. To evaluate the viability of incorporating each process, technical, economic, and environmental engineering studies are carried out.