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Design and thermodynamic analysis of hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol based on renewable energy and gas cogeneration system

Author

Listed:
  • Zhang, Xin
  • Ma, Xin
  • Jiao, Wenling
  • Hou, Meiling
  • Liu, Tianjie
  • Li, Qi

Abstract

A novel methanol synthesis system was developed, comprising a solar water electrolysis hydrogen production system, a gas cogeneration system, a carbon capture system, and a methanol synthesis system. The implementation in Aspen Plus® effectively addresses challenges arising from renewable energy fluctuations and logistical issues related to hydrogen energy transportation. The gas cogeneration component optimizes efficiency by utilizing the by-product of electrolytic water, namely O2, and redirecting heat energy from flue gas to the methanol synthesis system, ensuring stable electric energy production. Thorough analysis of each subsystem's thermodynamic performance is conducted, applying mass balance laws, energy conservation principles, exergy relations, and chemical reaction equations. The study further explores the influence of operating parameters on subsystem performance. Meticulous examination of the system's economic and environmental analysis reveals noteworthy outcomes. Following heat transfer, the system demonstrates a substantial improvement in comprehensive energy efficiency (52.75 %) and exergy efficiency (44.34 %) compared to the pre-heat transfer comprehensive energy efficiency of 35.7 %. The selected operating parameters for each subsystem are deemed feasible, with 81.2 % of carbon judiciously utilized in methanol form. These findings highlight the system's enhanced efficiency and rational carbon utilization, positioning it as a promising solution for hydrogen energy chemical storage.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhang, Xin & Ma, Xin & Jiao, Wenling & Hou, Meiling & Liu, Tianjie & Li, Qi, 2025. "Design and thermodynamic analysis of hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol based on renewable energy and gas cogeneration system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 334(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:334:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225033079
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.137665
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ma, Xin & Li, Jiali & Zhang, Yan & Liu, Hangyu & Zhang, Xuemei & Chen, Zhiguang, 2026. "Modeling and optimal dispatch of an electric-thermal-hydrogen-methanol integrated energy system considering flexible loads under ladder-type carbon trading mechanism," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 344(C).

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