Modeling and simulation of a novel chemical process for clean hydrogen and power generation

The present work aims to develop a novel chemical process for clean hydrogen and power production and simulate it accordingly through a unique thermodynamic equilibrium model. This particular process is based on a partial oxidation of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) at superadiabatic conditions to study its respective chemical products. The simulation of superadiabatic partial oxidation of H₂S is developed through the present model for the first time in the Aspen Plus. The process is further studied by varying different operating variables with an overall goal of optimizing the H₂S conversion into hydrogen. The developed model predicts a satisfactory H₂ production flow rate coupled with a low-sulfur dioxide (SO₂) output within the superadiabatic partial oxidation regime at an operating pressure below 0.5 bar. The H₂S conversion into H₂ is then found to be 23.48 % at 0.25 bar. The overall energy and exergy efficiencies of the system are found to be 87.51 % and 70.08 % respectively. The dissociation of H₂S in the presence of stoichiometric air results in elemental sulfur and hydrogen production rates of 0.0019 kg/s and 0.0012 kg/s, respectively.