Integration of alternative fuel production and combined cycle power plant using renewable energy sources

Mateusz Brzęczek and Janusz Kotowicz

Applied Energy, 2024, vol. 371, issue C, No S0306261924011218

Abstract: The article explores the integration of a methanol production system with a modern combined cycle power plant utilizing oxy-combustion technology, resulting in enhanced efficiency for both systems (synergy effect). The integration involves various components like a 90 MW wind farm, hydrogen generators, and methanol production units. Notably, CO2 preparation and compression for the methanol reactor within the power plant optimize methanol production and reduce energy consumption in the oxygen separation unit by supplementing oxygen through electrolysis. Utilizing oxygen from electrolysis also decreases energy consumption in the gas turbine's oxidant compressor. Additionally, compressing CO2 to lower pressures reduces energy consumption in the CCU installation. The article presents a methodology for quantifying energy efficiency for both the methanol production unit and the combined cycle power plant. Integration leads to significant efficiency increases, particularly for low-power generation setups and with greater contributions from renewable energy sources. For instance, in scenarios involving a gas turbine with 7.5 MW capacity, efficiency gains range from 0.8 to nearly 6 percentage points with multiple wind farms. This study is the first of its kind to demonstrate the synergistic advantages of directly integrating an oxy-combined cycle power plant with a methanol production facility. The integration results in heightened efficiency for both the power plant and the methanol production setup, contributing significantly to the advancement of hydrogen technology and the green deal initiative. The unique approach of utilizing hydrogen from electrolysis setups and CO2 derived from exhaust gases of power plants to generate liquid methanol, a superior energy carrier, is a significant contribution to the existing body of literature. The demonstrated synergistic outcomes of integrating a methanol production facility with combined cycle power plants stem from augmented unit efficiencies, overall installation improvements, and the amelioration of the ecological attributes of the power plant. The innovative character of this research endeavor is underscored by the fact that no existing installation worldwide currently pairs methanol production with a combined cycle power plant.

Keywords: Synergy; Methanol production; Combined cycle power plant; Carbon capture; Renewable energy sources; Energy storage (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.123738

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