Abstract
Shifting from fossil-fuel based energy system to
renewable energy sources requires the adaptation of
conventional technologies but also creation of new
technologies. Both economic and technical aspects need to
be considered in order to secure their successful
introduction to markets. This article discusses two
concepts: Power-to-Methanol and Methanol-to-Power that,
combined, enable a closed energy cycle where methanol is
used as energy carrier. The adaptation of conventional
methanol synthesis technology using CO2-rich feed gases
was successfully demonstrated under laboratory
conditions, thus proving technical feasibility of this
part of the Power-to-Methanol concept. However,
techno-economic analysis revealed highly challenging
process economics under present day cost assumptions.
Portable Methanol-to-Power (MtP) generators were shown to
achieve energy efficiencies that range from 36 % to 50 %.
Despite the relatively high initial investment cost of
these generators, they were shown to become more
profitable in comparison to conventional portable power
generators at long operational times due to their high
energy efficiency.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 32-37 |
Journal | Gas for Energy |
Issue number | 2 |
Publication status | Published - 2016 |
MoE publication type | D1 Article in a trade journal |