Ammonia decomposition for hydrogen production: Modeling, simulation, and process optimization

• Grant number: 24/08858-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: October 01, 2024
• End date: December 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Process Industries
• Principal Investigator: Rita Maria de Brito Alves
• Grantee: Leonardo Antonio Cáceres Avilez
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Company: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola Politécnica (EP)
• Associated research grant: 20/15230-5 - Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Innovation - RCG2I, AP.PCPE

Abstract

The substitution of fossil-based energy sources with clean and renewable technologies has been one of the main challenges faced by the scientific community. In this context, hydrogen has been highlighted as an energy vector free of carbon emissions and with high energy density. However, the transport and storage of hydrogen are the main challenges for this energy transition. Ammonia has been identified as an excellent option for hydrogen transport and store in liquid phase. The feasibility of this alternative largely depends on the efficiency of ammonia decomposition and subsequent hydrogen separation. In the literature, there are some studies evaluating industrial processes for hydrogen production from ammonia; however, there is still no optimized process configuration, including a careful selection of technologies. Therefore, this project proposes to develop an optimal process configuration, exploring various conversion and separation technologies through process modeling, simulation, and optimization techniques. The selection of the optimal process configuration will be carried out by applying the concept of superstructure optimization, considering technical, economic, and environmental criteria. It is expected that the results of this work will assist in the effective implementation of industrial systems for hydrogen production from ammonia.