Simulation and Economic Analysis of Hydrogen Production from Dry Reforming of Methane

The performance and viability of dry reforming of methane with carbon dioxide (DRM) are important from an environmental perspective due to its ability for mitigation and utilization of GHG in the area of green energy research. Dry reforming converts the two main GHGs (CO2 and CH4) into synthesis gas (H2 and CO), which is a resource for the manufacture of useful value-added products. This work aims to simulate a laboratory scale plant, evaluating its catalytic performance and economic costs. Then, it is studied an industrial plant based in this mechanism by simulation techniques.An energy integrated plant scheme is design to avoid the consumption of auxiliary currents using simulation tools such as Aspen Plus® and different operating temperature scenarios and configurations are proposed to determine the one in which the optimal production is obtained. Finally, a techno-economic analysis was made, validating the chosen method with experimental data and determining the economic profitability of the plant.