This paper presents the thermodynamic analysis of thermally coupling steam and tri-reforming processes using a bio-oil aqueous fraction for hydrogen production. The total energy efficiency is investigated to evaluate the overall performance of the proposed system. It is found that the operating temperature, steam-to-bio-oil feed (S/F) ratio and split ratio of waste gas recovery have a positive effect on hydrogen yield; the optimal values are as follows: operating temperature of the steam reforming, 650 degrees C; tri-reforming operating temperature, 580 degrees C; S/F ratio, 6; and split ratio, 0.5. However, an increase in such parameters increases the energy requirement for the steam reformer. The new proposed system combining thermally coupled steam and tri-reforming processes with a membrane water gas shift reactor offers higher energy efficiency than a conventional steam reforming process. (C) 2016 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.