Process development for efficient hydrogen transportation and analyses: technical, economic, and environmental perspectives

Here, we have designed an integrated hydrogen transport process including hydrogenation and dehydrogenation processes using a toluene-methylcyclohexane (MCH) system. The toluene-MCH system is one of the promising liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) candidates because it is relatively less toxic and an economical option. For efficient energy utilization, we have carried out heat integration using pinch analysis. To determine the minimum hydrogen transport cost, techno-economic analysis was performed using discounted cash flow analysis. It was estimated that the minimum hydrogen (H₂) transport cost is $2,083/kg when 400,000 tons of hydrogen is transported per annum. The sustainability of the proposed process was determined through life-cycle assessment quantifying the direct and indirect carbon emissions. This study can give insight into technological development for the realization of the hydrogen economy.