Methane pyrolysis evaluation for low-carbon hydrogen production: A comparative techno-economic analysis
Date
2024
Authors
Serrato Arias, Cinthia
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Abstract
In recent years, various hydrogen production pathways have been explored to support net-zero strategies and climate objectives. Methane pyrolysis has emerged as a low-carbon hydrogen technology with promising potential to compete with electrolysis and steam methane reforming processes. This process utilizes thermal decomposition to convert methane into hydrogen gas and solid carbon, effectively avoiding CO₂ emissions during production. A tubular plug flow reactor model was used to evaluate the reactor simulation, focusing on its kinetic parameters and operating conditions. This research evaluates three scenarios, each designed for a hydrogen production capacity of 50 tons per day, exploring two carbon mitigation strategies which are carbon capture and storage (CCS) and the use of an electric arc furnace (EAF). Among these scenarios, Case 1 exhibits the highest environmental impact at 4.14 kg CO2/kg H2 due to its lack of decarbonization strategy. A techno-economic assessment reveals that Case 1 has the lowest levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) at 2.50 USD/kg H₂, whereas Case 2 with CCS unit presents a LCOH of 2.87 USD/kg H₂, these two options offer competitive hydrogen prices comparable with SMR with CCS. The implementation of EAF in Case 3 exhibits the highest cost at 3.27 USD/kg H₂, although remains more cost-effective than electrolysis. Methane pyrolysis pathway has demonstrated its potential as a viable low-carbon hydrogen production, where Case 2 and Case 3 provide economic feasible option with minimal carbon emissions.
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Keywords
methane pyrolysis, thermal decomposition of methane, techno-economic analysis