Cranksets for tandem with internal gear hub I am thinking about assembling a trekking tandem bike. I would like to use an internal gear hub and put both chains on the right side of the bike. I have some questions about the cranksets:


What cranksets can I use? Can I replace the sprockets on any crankset with bigger ones (I would need two same-sized sprockets on the middle crankset)? Or do I need some specific type of a crankset?
How important is it to line up the chains in this case? What can I use to line the sprockets in the right position?
Is it possible to to use different size of sprockets for the front chain to compensate for the difference in strength between two cyclists, or will it make riding too hard because of the shifting phases?
You can use whatever cranksets you like and have available.  But tandems need either an eccentric bottom bracket on the front, OR a chain tensioner in order to set the tension on the link/timimg chain. 


1.1. If you are only pootling around on the flat then perhaps the loss of the front chainring is acceptable.  But any hills or a good stiff headwind and you'll be regretting the loss of lower gears.  You might be able to offset this with a large rear cassette, a 42 tooth megarange or similar.


Chain line is important - the timing chain is often a 1/8th inch chain because it doesn't need any side flex.  The rear chain is often a normal 3/32" bicycle chain so it can be used with a derailleur.  You could use either (or even a drive belt!) To line up the chainrings, I'd use a long steel ruler, and try to use a matched pair of  chainrings and bottom bracket axles. 


2.1. Since you have no front derailers, you could possibly flip the chainrings to have the big one close to the frame, and teh timing chain on the outside.  Or you could even have both chainrings the same size.   Its also possible, (but uncommon) to have just one big long chain doing all the drive.  


No - the rider's pedalling should be in phase at all times.  If one rider is ready for a corner, there's a non-zero chance of pedal strike for the other rider.  This is doubly bad on a tandem.


If you want one rider to have an easier time of it, look for different length cranks.  They'll still have to do the same cadence as the other rider.

Suggestions:

Get a matched pair of doubles or triple chainrings.  Set your timing chain on the big ring, and use the stoker's middle/smaller ring for the normal chain.  If its too low geared, swap the timing chain to the middle and put the rear wheel chain on the big chainring. 

Once you've settled on a good combination, you could remove the chainrings you're not using.

If you're building this tandem from scratch, separate the IGH hub purchase from the build.