Thermo-economic feasibility of heliostat and parabolic trough collector integration with optimized configuration of post-combustion carbon capture for steam methane reforming

Abstract

Integrating carbon capture units in hydrogen production plants using steam methane reforming (SMR) can significantly reduce emissions but requires high energy inputs. This study investigates using solar thermal energy to power post-combustion carbon capture (PCC) systems in Tehran, Iran. Simulations in Aspen HYSYS 11 evaluate configurations to optimize CO₂ capture from SMR flue gases, focusing on minimizing reboiler energy demands. The optimal PCC model requires 71.5 MW of thermal energy, supplied by solar power plants simulated in Thermoflex. Parabolic trough collectors (PTC) and solar towers are assessed, requiring 0.87 km² and 1.91 km², respectively, for construction. Seasonal and daily performance analysis in SAM software reveals that the PTC system, with a solar multiple (SM) of 3.5, achieves an 80 % capacity factor (CF) and a levelized cost of heat (LCOH) of 5.60. The solar tower system, with an SM of 3, achieves a 90 % CF and an LCOH of 7.08. Exergoeconomic analysis indicates exergoeconomic factors of 24.51 % for the PTC system and 31.45 % for the solar tower. These findings demonstrate the potential of solar-assisted PCC systems to enhance sustainability in SMR-based hydrogen production.