Thermodynamic analysis of methane to methanol through a two-step process driven by concentrated solar energy. (15th June 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jin, Jian; Wang, Hongsheng; Shen, Yili; Shu, Ziyun; Liu, Taixiu; Li, Wenjia
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 273(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-06-15
• Subjects: Solar methane reforming -- Methane-to-methanol synthesis -- Solar energy -- Efficiency -- Solar fuels; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2023.127284
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: Converting solar energy into liquid fuels such as methanol is the vision of efficient utilization of solar energy. We proposed a solar-powered methane reforming and methanol synthesis hybrid system. The methane reforming system is driven by solar energy, converting methane, CO2 and H2 O into syngas, which are then used in the methanol synthesis system. Our numerical thermodynamic analysis shows that when the ratio of CO2 /H2 O in the methane reforming is 0.76, the H2 /CO ratio obtained from the reforming reaction is most conducive to subsequent methanol production. We obtained experimentally a 73% methane conversion at a reforming reaction temperature of 875 °C. Starting from the experimental reforming effluents, we simulated methanol conversion obtaining a total methane-to-methanol conversion rate of 71%. The hybrid system demonstrates a 49% overall energy conversion efficiency when operating at an optimized condition that synergizes temperature, ratio of CO2 /H2 O in the methane reforming, and cycling parameters. By integrating the solar-driven methane reforming and methanol synthesis process, we provide a new pathway for further study of the conversion of methane-to-methanol by using solar energy efficiently. Highlights: The ratio of CO2 methane reforming to steam methane reforming is 0.76 for methanol synthesis. The methane conversion can reach 73% with nickel-based catalysts. The total methane-to-methanol conversion rate can reach 71%. The energy conversion efficiency can reach 49%.