Produção de hidrogênio a partir da reforma vapor do etanol

Abstract

This study evaluated the technical and economic feasibility of hydrogen production through steam reforming of ethanol using simulations in Aspen Plus software, focusing on its application in Brazilian plants integrated with sugarcane ethanol production. Four distinct scenarios were simulated, considering different approaches (based on equilibrium and chemical kinetics) and process pressurization points, with the objective of producing 30,000 tons of hydrogen per year. This production is equivalent to approximately 40% of the current demand for ammonia imported into Brazil. The results indicated that all scenarios exceeded the 30,000 tons of hydrogen per year mark, with the configuration using two-stage compression after steam reforming standing out as offering the best economic performance. The cost of the electrical utility was determined to be US$0.42/kg of H₂ produced for the compressor and US$0.001/kg of H₂ for the pump, based on data obtained from the simulator. Considering the opportunity cost of ethanol of US$0.60/kg, the estimated cost is approximately US$2.30 per kilogram of hydrogen produced. These results indicate that the evaluated route represents an economically and environmentally promising alternative for renewable hydrogen production, especially within the context of the ammonia production chain in Brazil.