Title:
Green Hydrogen from Pyrolysis: Pathways for Maximization
Author(s):
Graf-Kick, C., Wernthaler, A., Apfelbacher, A., Daschner, R.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
The widespread adoption of hydrogen as a future energy carrier necessitates the development of cost-effective, scalable hydrogen production technologies, in addition to water electrolysis. The thermochemical conversion of biogenic residues presents an elegant solution for decentralized hydrogen production near potential users, addressing the growing hydrogen demand until sufficient electrolysis capacity is realized. This study explores an approach to maximize hydrogen production using a pyrolysis-based technology known as Thermo-Catalytic Reforming (TCRŽ), developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology. During standard operation, this technology not only generates biochar and bio-crude but also produces a gas with hydrogen content reaching up to 40 vol.%. The objectives of this work are a) to experimentally optimize a TCRŽ unit with a feedstock capacity of 2 kg/h to enhance hydrogen yield through parameter variation, and b) to develop a novel process step to modify the gas composition in favor of hydrogen. The optimization and plant modifications achieved a remarkable 60% increase in absolute H2 output and elevated the H2 concentration in the gas from approximately 35 vol.% to around 44 vol.%, resulting in a specific hydrogen output of about 2.5 m% relative to the dry matter of the initial feedstock. This unprecedented hydrogen output marks a significant milestone in optimizing pyrolysis as a versatile and powerful platform for sustainable energy solutions.
Keywords:
thermochemical conversion, water gas shift, thermo-catalytic reforming, hydrogen from biomass, pyrolysis upgrade
Topic:
Biomass Conversion to Intermediate Bioenergy Carriers and Sustainable Biofuels
Subtopic:
Pyrolysis
Event:
34th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
5BV.3.20
Pages:
888 - 895
ISBN:
978-88-89407-27-1
Paper DOI:
10.5071/34thEUBCE2026-5BV.3.20
Price:
FREE
