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Dual-function absorption thermal battery embedded methanol-to-X system for seasonal energy dispatching: A dynamic parametric study

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  • Liang, Zheng
  • Liang, Yingzong
  • Luo, Xianglong
  • Wu, Wei
  • Chen, Jianyong
  • Chen, Ying

Abstract

A methanol-to-X system, centered on hydrogen conversion and utilization, offers a promising solution to meet building energy demands while enhancing efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. However, the complex interactions between power, heat, and cooling production often limit efficient energy utilization, particularly with varying user demands. This study presents a novel methanol-to-X (MtX) system that integrates a dual-function absorption thermal battery (ATB), a methanol steam reforming reactor, and a proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack to achieve efficient and flexible energy output. Moreover, a tailored algorithm generates a season-based hybrid load tracking strategy, adjusting the ATB-integrated MtX (ATB-MtX) system's energy output according to seasonal load demand characteristics. The ATB-MtX system is applied to an office building in Hong Kong. Annual operation results show an energy efficiency of 78.24 % and a carbon mass specific emission of 454.45 gCO2/kWh, representing a 22.70 % and 4.31 % increase in energy efficiency, and a 51.80 % and 3.13 % reduction in carbon mass specific emission, respectively, compared to the direct grid-to-X system and the conventional methanol-to-X system. Additionally, the ATB unit features an energy storage density of 42.74 kWh/m3, which is 8.14 and 9.96 times higher than that of the cold and hot water storage modules, respectively.

Suggested Citation

  • Liang, Zheng & Liang, Yingzong & Luo, Xianglong & Wu, Wei & Chen, Jianyong & Chen, Ying, 2025. "Dual-function absorption thermal battery embedded methanol-to-X system for seasonal energy dispatching: A dynamic parametric study," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 320(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:320:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225010540
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.135412
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