Carbon Negative Biomass Chemical Looping (BCL) Process for Hydrogen and Power Generation

A novel, carbon negative Biomass Chemical Looping (BCL) process is discussed. Utilizing iron oxide as the oxygen carrier, the BCL process produces hydrogen and electricity from cellulosic biomass, lignin-rich non-fermentable residues, and agricultural residues with 100% CO₂ capture. From life cycle analysis (LCA) standpoint, the process is carbon negative with a net CO₂ emission of less than -1.3 tons per ton of biomass converted. Preliminary experimental results indicate that the BCL process concept is feasible. A comprehensive ASPEN PlusŪ model taking into account both the preliminary experimental data and thermodynamic restrictions is developed to evaluate the performance of the BCL process. Based on the ASPEN PlusŪ simulations, close to 70% process efficiency (HHV basis) can potentially be achieved for hydrogen and electricity co-production from cellulosic biomass. The high energy conversion efficiency of the BCL process results from the process intensification coupled with energy management optimization.