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 Plus® 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 Plus® 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.