Superstructure Optimization Of Hydrogen Production From Biomass Via Gasification

Hydrogen has special properties to replace fossil fuels as a renewable energy source. It is
more energy efficient than gasoline, where it can store approximately 2.6 times more
energy per unit mass than gasoline. Sourcing hydrogen from biomass is more
environmentally friendly as the sustainability factor is covered. Biomass gasification has
a promising future to replace fossil fuels. Its carbon neutral characteristic proves its
suitability in today’s current ecosystem condition. In this work, a mixed-integer
superstructure optimization framework is proposed on the cost minimization problem for
determining the optimal feasible route for hydrogen production from biomass through
gasification. We are interested to investigate various feasible technologies and methods
available with their operating conditions that are linear/equality constraints to the
conceptual process synthesis problem of the design of the most cost effective
gasification route. Possible processes and technologies discussed in recent literature are
compiled into a superstructure model. The superstructure modeling and optimization are
solved in MATLAB to identify the most cost effective route.