Conversion of greenhouse gases to synthetic fuel using a sustainable cyclic plasma process. (22nd February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sarafraz, M.M.; Christo, F.C.; Tran, N.N.; Fulcheri, L.; Hessel, V.
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 48:Number 16(2023)
• Page Start: 6174
• Page End: 6191
• Publication Date: 2023-02-22
• Subjects: Synthetic fuel -- Hydrogen -- Renewable energy -- Thermal plasma -- Chromium particle; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.05.272
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: In the present article, a new thermodynamic process is proposed in which a thermal plasma reactor is utilised to dissociate carbon dioxide/steam blend into synthetic fuel using chemical looping technology. Chrome/chrome oxide (Cr/Cr2 O3 ) pair was used as the oxygen carrier and also the thermal transport medium between the thermal plasma reactor and a synthetic fuel fluidized bed reactor. The proposed process was hybridised with renewable energy resources including solar photovoltaic and wind to account for the energy demand of the thermal plasma reactor. Results showed that at a molar ratio of CO2 /Cr = 1.12 and steam/Cr ratio = 2.8, the syngas quality referred to as H2 : CO > 2.05, which is suitable for liquid fuel production and Fischer-Tropsch applications. Also, the thermal plasma reactor reached chemical conversion >0.99 at 5273 K, while SFR represented the conversion extent >0.95 at 1473 K. The highest thermodynamic efficiency of the proposed process was 0.43 with a 3 MW electricity production capacity that could be utilised by thermal plasma aiming at improving self-sustaining factor of the system. The integration of the system with solar photovoltaic and wind in Whyalla, South Australia, showed that the renewable energy penetration in the proposed system can be as high as 68.4% with battery storage of 30 MWh together with an installed capacity of 50 MW and 37.5 MW for photovoltaic panels and wind turbines, respectively. Larger battery storage did not affect the renewable energy fraction as solar irradiance and wind velocity were not sufficient to complete the charging cycle of the battery. Highlights: Application of thermal plasma for CO2 dissociation is demonstrated. The process hybridisation with renewable energy was investigated. Chrome was a suitable medium for heat and mass transfer in the proposed plant. The produced syngas had H2 : CO > 2.1 suitable for Fischer-Tropsch applications. Chemical conversion >99% in thermal plasma and 95% in fuel reactor was achieved.