H2A Case Study: Current Distributed Natural Gas Steam Reformer

Project Summary

Full Title:	H2A Case Study: Current (2005) Steam Methane Reformer (SMR) at Forecourt 1500 kg/day
Project ID:	236
Principal Investigator:	Brian James
Keywords:	Hydrogen production; forecourt; steam methane reforming; natural gas; distributed

Purpose

The purpose of this analysis is to determine a baseline delivered cost of hydrogen for the forecourt production of hydrogen from natural gas steam reforming.

Performer

Principal Investigator:	Brian James
Organization:	Directed Technologies, Inc. (DTI)
Address:	3601 Wilson Blvd., Suite 650 Arlington, VA 22201
Telephone:	703-243-3383
Email:	Brian_James@DirectedTechnologies.com

Sponsor(s)

Name:	Fred Joseck
Organization:	DOE/EERE/HFCIT
Telephone:	202-586-7932
Email:	Fred.Joseck@ee.doe.gov

Period of Performance

Start:	February 2008
End:	May 2008

Project Description

Type of Project:	Analysis
Category:	Hydrogen Fuel Pathways

Methodology/Approach:	The delivered cost of hydrogen was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis on the total capital investment and the periodic expenditures for repair, maintenance, and replacement. Hysys simulation of the reformer system was conducted to confirm mass flows and electrical power requirements. Capital cost of the steam reformer system was estimated by a combination of scaling, industry quotes, and ground-up component cost estimation.

Methodology/Approach:

The delivered cost of hydrogen was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis on the total capital investment and the periodic expenditures for repair, maintenance, and replacement. Hysys simulation of the reformer system was conducted to confirm mass flows and electrical power requirements. Capital cost of the steam reformer system was estimated by a combination of scaling, industry quotes, and ground-up component cost estimation.

Models Used:	H2A Production Model

Timeframe Studied:	2005

Products/Deliverables

	Description: Spreadsheet Analysis Publication Title: Current (2005) Steam Methane Reformer (SMR) at Forecourt 1500kg/day Publisher: National Renewable Energy Laboratory Author Name(s): Steward, Darlene http://www.hydrogen.energy.gov/h2a_prod_studies.html Publication Date: May 2008

Notes/Comments:	The natural gas reforming process is based on 20-atm conventional tube-in-shell Steam Methane Reactor(SMR) with hydro-desulfurization pre-treatment and PSA gas cleanup. The PSA is based on 4 bed Batta cycle achieving 75% hydrogen recovery. The unit is assumed to be factory built (as opposed to on-site construction) and is skid-mounted for easy and rapid installation. A single 1500kg/day unit is assumed (as opposed to the previous H2A assumption of parallel 750kg/day units.) The system is assumed to be air cooled (and thus requires no cooling water flow). The product hydrogen exits the PSA at 300psi and is compressed for storage in metal cylinder storage tanks (2,500 psi max pressures). The hydrogen is next compressed to 6,250psi (max) for transfer into a 4 bed high pressure cascade system to allow rapid filling of 5,000 psi onboard H2 vehicular tanks.

Notes/Comments:

The natural gas reforming process is based on 20-atm conventional tube-in-shell Steam Methane Reactor(SMR) with hydro-desulfurization pre-treatment and PSA gas cleanup. The PSA is based on 4 bed Batta cycle achieving 75% hydrogen recovery. The unit is assumed to be factory built (as opposed to on-site construction) and is skid-mounted for easy and rapid installation. A single 1500kg/day unit is assumed (as opposed to the previous H2A assumption of parallel 750kg/day units.) The system is assumed to be air cooled (and thus requires no cooling water flow). The product hydrogen exits the PSA at 300psi and is compressed for storage in metal cylinder storage tanks (2,500 psi max pressures). The hydrogen is next compressed to 6,250psi (max) for transfer into a 4 bed high pressure cascade system to allow rapid filling of 5,000 psi onboard H2 vehicular tanks.

Date Last Updated: 10/01/2008