scholarly journals Techno-economic modeling of an integrated biomethane-biomethanol production process via biomass gasification, electrolysis, biomethanation, and catalytic methanol synthesis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Menin ◽  
Vittoria Benedetti ◽  
Francesco Patuzzi ◽  
Marco Baratieri
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Market Price ◽  
Biomass Gasification ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Economic Modeling ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Selling Price ◽  
Carbon Efficiency

AbstractBiological methanation (biomethanation) of syngas obtained from biomass gasification offers the opportunity to employ a low-pressure, low-temperature process to produce storable bio-derived substitute natural gas (bSNG), although its economic viability is limited by high energy and biomass costs. Research on syngas biomethanation techno-economic performance is limited and novel biomass-to-biomethane process configurations are required in order to assess opportunities for the enhancement of its efficiency and economic feasibility. In this study, we carried out the techno-economic modeling of two processes comprising integrated biomass gasification, electrolysis, and syngas biomethanation with combined heat and power recovery in order to assess and compare their fuel yields, energy efficiency, carbon efficiency, and bSNG minimum selling price (MSP). The first process operates standalone biomethanation (SAB) of syngas and can produce approximately 38,000 Nm3 of bSNG per day, with a total plant efficiency of 50.6%. The second process (integrated biomethane-biomethanol, IBB) exploits the unconverted carbon stream from the biomethanation process to recover energy and synthesize methanol via direct catalytic CO2 hydrogenation. In addition to the same bSNG output, the IBB process can produce 10 t/day of biomethanol, at a 99% purity. The IBB process shows little global energy efficiency gains in comparison with SAB (51.7%) due to the large increase in electrolytic hydrogen demand, but it shows a substantial improvement in biomass-to-fuel carbon efficiency (33 vs. 26%). The SAB and IBB processes generate a bSNG MSP of 2.38 €/Nm3 and 3.68 €/Nm3, respectively. Hydrogenation of unconverted carbon in biomass-to-biomethane processes comes with high additional capital and operating costs due to the large-scale electrolysis plants required. Consequently, in both processes, the market price gap of the bSNG produced is 0.13 €/kWhbSNG (SAB) and 0.25 €/kWhbSNG (IBB) even under the most optimistic cost scenarios considered, and it is primarily influenced by the cost of surplus electricity utilized in electrolysis, while the selling price of biomethanol exerts a very limited influence on process economics. Intensive subsidization would be required in order to sustain the decentralized production of bSNG through both processes. Despite their limited economic competitiveness, both processes have a size comparable with existing renewable gas production plants in terms of bSNG production capacity and the IBB process is of a size adequate for the supply of biomethanol to a decentralized biorenewable supply chain.

scholarly journals Techno-Economic Assessment of Solar-Driven Steam Gasification of Biomass for Large-Scale Hydrogen Production

Processes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 462
Author(s):  
Houssame Boujjat ◽  
Sylvain Rodat ◽  
Stéphane Abanades
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Biomass Gasification ◽  
Sensitivity Study ◽  
H2 Production ◽  
Steam Gasification ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Concentrated Solar Energy ◽  
Land Cost

Solar biomass gasification is an attractive pathway to promote biomass valorization while chemically storing intermittent solar energy into solar fuels. The economic feasibility of a solar gasification process at a large scale for centralized H2 production was assessed, based on the discounted cash-flow rate of return method to calculate the minimum H2 production cost. H2 production costs from solar-only, hybrid and conventional autothermal biomass gasification were evaluated under various economic scenarios. Considering a biomass reference cost of 0.1 €/kg, and a land cost of 12.9 €/m2, H2 minimum price was estimated at 2.99 €/kgH2 and 2.48 €/kgH2 for the allothermal and hybrid processes, respectively, against 2.25 €/kgH2 in the conventional process. A sensitivity study showed that a 50% reduction in the heliostats and solar tower costs, combined with a lower land cost of below 0.5 €/m2, allowed reaching an area of competitiveness where the three processes meet. Furthermore, an increase in the biomass feedstock cost by a factor of 2 to 3 significantly undermined the profitability of the autothermal process, in favor of solar hybrid and solar-only gasification. A comparative study involving other solar and non-solar processes led to conclude on the profitability of fossil-based processes. However, reduced CO2 emissions from the solar process and the application of carbon credits are definitely in favor of solar gasification economics, which could become more competitive. The massive deployment of concentrated solar energy across the world in the coming years can significantly reduce the cost of the solar materials and components (heliostats), and thus further alleviate the financial cost of solar gasification.

Process Optimization of One-Stage Propane Pre-Cooled MRC Cycle for Small-Scale LNG Plant

2012 ◽  
Vol 516-517 ◽  
pp. 1184-1187
Author(s):  
Heng Sun ◽  
Dan Shu ◽  
Hong Mei Zhu
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Process Parameters ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Main Process ◽  
One Stage ◽  
High Energy Efficiency ◽  
The One

One-stage pre-cooled mixture refrigerant cycle can be applied in small-scale LNG plant and be special suitable for skit mounted LNG plant. It has different character with the C3MR cycle used in large-scale LNG plant. The optimization of the mixture refrigerant is carried out using HYSYS software. The effect of the main process parameters on the performance of the cycle is calculated and discussed. The result shows that appropriate ranges of the process parameters exist. Higher and lower values of the parameters will increase the energy consumption significantly. The results also indicate that the optimization of the one-stage pre-cooled mixture refrigerant cycle can obtain rather high energy efficiency that is competitive with that of the SMR which is widely employed in small-scale LNG plant.

scholarly journals Quantifying the role of liquid hydrocarbons in the current and future energy balance of a self-sufficient Denmark

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Akbar Eftekhari
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Balance ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emission ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
High Energy Density ◽  
Transport Sector ◽  
Ipcc Report ◽  
The Future

Denmark is a pioneer in the large-scale extraction of the sustainable energy of the wind, especially in theelectricity sector which supplies most of the Danish electricity consumption. A combination of these recentDanish successes, and the increased societal demand for the reduction of carbon dioxide emission in light ofthe recent IPCC report, has created the expectation of a fast transition from fossil fuel to sustainable energyresources in all energy sectors. Although this transition is inevitable due to the unsustainable nature of fossilfuels and the declining Danish oil and gas production, there is still an ongoing discussion, sometimessupported by qualitative evidence, on its possibility, extent, and urgency.This paper that is inspired by a true story of an unsuccessful date between a petroleum engineeringcolleague and a Danish environmentalist has a quantitative look at the future energy balance of Denmark byestimating the future energy consumption of a typical Dane and comparing it with the available renewableand non-renewable energy resources. It also suggests and compares different scenarios for a self-sufficientDenmark with 100% renewable energy, considering the available land and shallow sea and the footprint ofthe energy extraction and storage methods in Denmark. The results show that if the intermittency problem ofthe wind energy is addressed in the future, there is still a large demand, mostly from the transport sector, forliquid fuels with high energy-density, which needs to be addressed by a paradigm shift in transporttechnologies or large scale implementation of power to fuel technologies with a sustainable carbon source.

scholarly journals Legal and Policy Framework for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Development in Vietnam

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-47
Author(s):  
Tran Viet Dung
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Renewable Energies ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Renewable Energy Resources ◽  
Economic Sectors

AbstractVietnam has experienced an economic growth accompanied by increasing energy demand and inadequate supplies. Like most developing countries, the increased inefficient use of energy in Vietnam leads to increased greenhouse gas emissions and high energy costs for consumers. Also, the traditional sources of energy are not sufficient to satisfy the demand of the economic sectors.With the negative impact of climate change on water resources and the depletion of coal, oil and gas reserves, Vietnam must diversify and integrate other forms of renewable energies into its energy mix. The efficient use of renewable energy resources can boost economic development. Thus, the policies for endorsing renewable energies and energy efficiency are playing a vital role in ensuring the sustainable development for Vietnam’s future. This paper examines the legal and policy framework influencing the deployment of renewable energies and energy efficiency in Vietnam. The paper also attempts to identify major barriers to a large scale deployment of renewable energies and energy efficiency technologies and offers some possible solutions.

scholarly journals COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF COMPACT FLUORESCENT LAMPS VERSUS LED LAMPS: AN ECONOMY FACTOR

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 198-212
Author(s):  
Diego Da Silva de Souza ◽  
Paulo De Souza Silva ◽  
David Barbosa de Alencar
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Economic Viability ◽  
Fluorescent Lamps ◽  
Compact Fluorescent Lamps ◽  
Industrial Buildings

The general objective of this article was to promote through bibliographic studies the two types of lamps, in addition to the comparative analysis of compact fluorescent lamps versus LED lamps: an economy factor. The specific objectives were: - to explain the conceptual precepts on: lighting engineering, definitions, characteristics, invention, operation, defect, quality and the environments used and the NBRs regulations; - address the economic impact generated by the choice of LED lamps and compact fluorescent lamps; - emphasize on an economic feasibility study on the use of LED lamps and compact fluorescent lamps. The justification of the study is related, in the promotion regarding the use of LED lamps and compact fluorescents, in the factor that generates savings. Since the areas related to artificial lighting are responsible for a significant portion of energy demand, both on a large scale - such as lighting for public roads or industrial buildings - and on smaller scales - in commercial and residential buildings. Therefore, its promotion is crucial in the context of economic viability. The lamps provide the luminous energy, through which a better luminous efficiency is obtained. Currently, there are several types of lamps available, different in several aspects: luminous intensity, reproduction colors, energy efficiency, physical composition, method for emitting light, specific purposes, prices, among others. It is worth mentioning that the lamps differ from each other not only by the different luminous fluxes that they radiate, but also by the different powers they consume. In order to compare them, it is necessary to know how many lumens are generated per absorbed watt. This greatness is called energy efficiency. Thus, the proposal of a study was evidenced, in order to promote these luminous resources, in addition to emphasizing their economic viability.

scholarly journals Evaluating the potential energy savings of residential buildings and utilizing solar energy in the middle region of Saudi Arabia – Case study

2020 ◽  
pp. 014459872097514
Author(s):  
AbdulRahman S Almushaikah ◽  
Radwan A Almasri
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Middle Region

Lately, with the growth in energy consumption worldwide to support global efforts to improve the climate, developing nations have to take significant measures. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) implemented meaningful policy actions towards promoting energy efficiency (EE) in several sectors, especially in the building sector, to be more sustainable. In this paper, various EE measures and solar energy prospects are investigated for the residential sector, in two locations in the middle region of the KSA. An energy performance analysis of pre-existing residential buildings with an overall design is performed using simulation programs. However, installing EE measures in the building envelope is important to achieve an efficient sector regarding its energy consumption. The findings showed that applying EE measures for the building envelope, walls, roof, and windows should be considered first that makes the energy conservation possible. In Riyadh, EE measures are responsible for reducing energy consumption by 27% for walls, 14% for roof, and 6% for window, and by 29%, 13%, and 6% for walls, roof, and windows, respectively, for Qassim. However, the most impactful EE solution was selecting a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system with a high energy efficiency rate (EER), which can minimize the energy consumption by 33% and 32% for Riyadh and Qassim, respectively. The study's feasibility showed that the number of years needed to offset the initial investment for a proposed roof PV system exceeds the project's life, if the energy produced is exported to the grid at the official export tariff of 0.019 $/kWh. However, the simple payback time was 13.42 years if the energy produced is exported to the grid at a rate of 0.048 $/kWh, reflecting the project's economic feasibility.

Technology Outlook and Sustainability of the Synthetic Natural Gas Production Process Derived From Coal

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Orlando M. Ramirez ◽  
Lesme Corredor
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Synthetic Natural Gas ◽  
Capital Costs ◽  
Technical Performance

Natural gas is the most environmental friendly fossil fuel with a high energy content and has a promising future within the energy consumption outlook. For this reason, its production from coal is gaining a significant interest, converting the most abundant, stable, and low price fossil fuel to synthetic natural gas (SNG). In this paper a technology outlook and a sustainability assessment of the technical, economical, and environmental factors is developed. It was found that the sustainability of the process depends mainly on the local price of coal and natural gas, as well as, emerging SNG technologies, also known as direct methanation. The conventional methanation process, the indirect methanation, has high capital costs but it is currently the only proven large scale technology. Although the emerging technology has not yet been tested at a commercial scale, it has a better technical performance with an net efficiency increase of more than 10 percent as results of the process stage reduction which should lead to lower capital costs requirements. Regarding the environmental performance, the conventional process produces large amounts of CO2, approximately 1.3 kg CO2 for each kg of coal, that has to be compressed and sequestered to meet the environmental targets.

Energy Efficiency Management Protocol in the Large Scale Retail

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego Di Palma ◽  
Marco Lucentini ◽  
Flavio Rottenberg
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Energy Management ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Simulation Models ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Energy Data ◽  
Rigorous Approach ◽  
Management Protocol ◽  
End Uses

The paper presents the results of a two years research on the field of energy management systems. These systems range from the largest ones found in industrial plants down to the smallest utilized by the residential consumers. The goal is to define an energy management system specific to supermarkets sector including hypermarkets operating in large scale retail. The need to ensure continuity and quality of energy services, the high energy consumptions, the complexity of operation and maintenance facilities and, in general, the lack of strategies in energy end uses are just some of the reasons that have oriented the research in this sector. On the other hand, the groups operating in the large-scale retail, in order to contain costs, have always walked the path of maximum standardization of plants characteristics or, in most cases, the implementation of economy of scale in purchasing and maintenance; strategies not sufficient to ensure real savings considering the rising costs of energy. The starting points of the research have been some energy efficiency actions applicable to this type of consumers: buildings and facilities design, optimization of energy purchasing, management of maintenance, monitoring and collecting energy data, promotion of best practices in end uses, energy benchmarking, etc. For the purpose an energy audit was developed in the biggest supermarket and hypermarket chain in Italy during the last two years; the results led to the implementation of an operative protocol that makes possible to achieve energy savings in excess of 20%. The large number of supermarkets analyzed, the rigorous approach to the measurement and the monitoring of energy data, the possibility to verify the results in a ongoing way and the use of simulation models and software, permit a feasible extension to similar contexts.

scholarly journals Investigation of the Techno-Economical Feasibility of the Power-to-Methane Process Based on Molten Carbonate Electrolyzer

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dayan Monzer ◽  
Rodrigo Rivera-Tinoco ◽  
Chakib Bouallou
Keyword(s):  
High Temperature ◽  
Methane Production ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Economic Assessment ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Impact Factors ◽  
Selling Price ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Molten Carbonate ◽  
The Impact

High-temperature steam/CO2 electrolysis process has been the scope of study for the last decades. This study confers a feasible and environmental approach to convert low-carbon electrical energy into chemical energy, stored in the form of synthetic gas (H2 and CO) to be further processed in line with the final use target. It focuses on the Power-to-Methane technology using a high-temperature molten carbonates electrolyzer (MCEC). A large-scale process composed of the built-in MCEC model and the Balance of Plant (BOP) equipment is proposed and simulated with AspenPLUS software, taking into consideration the possible heat integration in the system for saving energy consumption. The proposed full-based process system shows an overall efficiency of 72%. The employment of this carbon neutral process relies on its economic competitiveness. For this reason, an economic assessment is conducted to investigate the economic feasibility of the proposed process. Indeed, the current methane production cost resulting from this process is not as competitive as market prices induced by other technologies. However, a parametric study demonstrating the impact factors on the methane selling price reveals that amelioration in the lifespan of the electrolyzer, accompanied by a reduction in its cost, can be an attractive solution, given the current market technology. This overall analysis sheds light on the role of the proposed process as an environmental-friendly and cost feasible solution for synthetic methane production.

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