An innovative methanol synthesis process based on self-heat recuperation

Abstract

The demand for methanol will continue to increase since methanol is an attractive fuel for fuel cells in addition to being an intermediate raw material for hydrogen and dimethyl ether (DME), which are categorized as green energy sources. To produce methanol with a minimum amount of energy, it is necessary to investigate and reconsider a whole methanol synthesis process from energy saving point of view.Recently, we developed an innovative process design technology referred to as self-heat recuperation technology for saving energy. To apply this technology, whole-process heat is recirculated within the process without heat addition leading to large energy savings. In this paper, the feasibility of applying self-heat recuperation technology to the methanol synthesis process is investigated and an innovative process for methanol synthesis is developed from an energy saving point of view. The use of this self-heat recuperation technology in the methanol synthesis process greatly reduces the energy consumption.

Technoeconomics and Sustainability of Renewable Methanol and Ammonia Productions Using Wind Power-based Hydrogen

“…Methanol synthesis needs carbon-rich feedstock (natural gas, coal or biomass), hydrogen, and a catalyst, mainly Cu/ZnO/Al 2 O 3 [26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34]. Methanol is produced almost exclusively by the ICI, the Lurgi, and the Mitsubishi processes.…”

“…CO 2 may come from flue gas, gasification of biomass, or ethanol plants [1,13,25]. Energy analysis of recycling CO 2 and reaction mechanisms of hydrogenation of CO 2 are some of the efforts toward non-fossil fuel-based methanol as a renewable energy storage and carrier [26][27][28][29][30][31][32]. Rihko-Struckmann et al [33] carried out an energetic evaluation in order to assess the overall efficiency of methanol and hydrogen-based storage systems for renewable electric energy; the efficiency of the system using hydrogen is higher compared with that of using methanol as the storage medium; however, storage and handling of methanol as chemical storage is favorable when compared with H 2 [18][19][20][33][34][35][36].…”

Process intensification for dimethyl ether production by self-heat recuperation

“…In addition, we found some issues to solve for further increase of the energy efficiency by application of self-heat recuperation at R1 and D1. If this process is combined with the methanol synthesis process based on self-heat recuperation [32], an appropriate economic analysis of the proposed process design reveals that the indirect method incorporating this process should be an additional option for DME synthesis from syngas.…”

Simulated Application of Self-Heat Recuperation and Pressure Swing System to Industrial Methanol Synthesis Process

“…Initially, only the temperature change case was simulated to see the energy saving effect of self-heat recuperation, following the procedure of a previous study (Kansha et al, 2014). All stream pressures in the reaction section were kept constant at the reaction condition (10.0 MPa).…”