Technical, economic and ecological issues of the hydrogen production processes from biogas and its use in fuel cells

• Grant number: 15/11041-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2015
• End date: August 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Thermal Engineering
• Principal Investigator: José Luz Silveira
• Grantee: Gabriel Brício Nobrega de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia (FEG). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Guaratinguetá. Guaratinguetá , SP, Brazil

Abstract

High energy demand required for the continuity of industrial, commercial and residential activities, and the consequential environmental pollution caused by emissions of greenhouse gases are reasons that stimulate studies of power generation from renewable resources. It is necessary to get better levels of reliability in the availability of energy generated, because of intermittent characteristics of renewable energy generation. One option to solve this problem, that proves very effective, it is energy storage. In this context, fuel cells deserve particular attention. Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert chemical energy of certain fuels to electrical energy, without combustion, with higher efficiency and lower emissions. However, to fuel cell become viable, it is necessary to develop effective and sustainable technologies of hydrogen production. In this project, technical and environmental aspects of hydrogen production from biogas through two processes will be study, and the consequent generation of electricity through a fuel cell using hydrogen produced. The first process is the use of biogas at internal combustion engine coupled to electric generator to provide electricity to electrolyzer, that it will produce hydrogen from water. The second process is the production of hydrogen by steam reforming of biogas, and in both cases the biogas will be produce by biodigesters.