LAPSE:2025.0176
Published Article
LAPSE:2025.0176
Techno-economic analysis of a novel small-scale blue H2 and N2 production system
June 27, 2025
Abstract
This study presents an economic analysis of a blue H2-N2 production system, using a novel intensified reformer system with a hydrogen production efficiency of 80%. The systems ability to produce both high-purity H2 and N2 creates opportunities for small-scale blue H2 and distributed ammonia production. The system consists of three identical, optimized fixed-bed reforming reactors, a heat recovery system, and shift reactors. A dynamic model was developed to simulate three small-scale H2 production systems: 2.8 tpd, 7.1 tpd, and 17.1 tpd, enabling an evaluation of their economic viability. The results indicate that the cost of H2 production ranges from 2.7 to 3.1 USD/kgH2. Sensitivity analysis reveals that natural gas and CO2 transportation costs have a significant impact on the variability of H2 price. This research provides valuable insights into the economic feasibility of small-scale blue hydrogen production, offering a pathway to support the broader adoption of hydrogen technologies in advancing a cleaner energy future.
This study presents an economic analysis of a blue H2-N2 production system, using a novel intensified reformer system with a hydrogen production efficiency of 80%. The systems ability to produce both high-purity H2 and N2 creates opportunities for small-scale blue H2 and distributed ammonia production. The system consists of three identical, optimized fixed-bed reforming reactors, a heat recovery system, and shift reactors. A dynamic model was developed to simulate three small-scale H2 production systems: 2.8 tpd, 7.1 tpd, and 17.1 tpd, enabling an evaluation of their economic viability. The results indicate that the cost of H2 production ranges from 2.7 to 3.1 USD/kgH2. Sensitivity analysis reveals that natural gas and CO2 transportation costs have a significant impact on the variability of H2 price. This research provides valuable insights into the economic feasibility of small-scale blue hydrogen production, offering a pathway to support the broader adoption of hydrogen technologies in advancing a cleaner energy future.
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Irhamna AR, Bollas GM. Techno-economic analysis of a novel small-scale blue H2 and N2 production system. Systems and Control Transactions 4:159-165 (2025) https://doi.org/10.69997/sct.134013
Author Affiliations
Irhamna AR: Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Pratt & Whitney Institute for Advanced Systems Engineering, University of Connecticut, 159 Discovery Dr, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA; Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandu
Bollas GM: Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Pratt & Whitney Institute for Advanced Systems Engineering, University of Connecticut, 159 Discovery Dr, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
Bollas GM: Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Pratt & Whitney Institute for Advanced Systems Engineering, University of Connecticut, 159 Discovery Dr, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
Journal Name
Systems and Control Transactions
Volume
4
First Page
159
Last Page
165
Year
2025
Publication Date
2025-07-01
Version Comments
Original Submission
Other Meta
PII: 0159-0165-1339-SCT-4-2025, Publication Type: Journal Article
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LAPSE:2025.0176
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https://doi.org/10.69997/sct.134013
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Jun 27, 2025
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References Cited
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