Simulation of Methanol production plant through amine-based CO2 capture system and CO2 hydrogenation

Global warming and climate change concerns have powered global efforts to reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide capture utilization (CCU) is considered one of the possible strategies applicable in order to reach CO2 emission reduction targets. The aim of this work is to assess via techno-economic and environmental metrics the production of methanol (MeOH) using H2O and flue gas as raw materials, from which H2 through electrolysis and CO2 through carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) process are derived, respectively. The attention has been focused on the CCU process. In particular, it has been modelled taking as reference a pilot plant studied by Notz et al. 2011 in the Institute of Thermodynamics and Thermal Process Engineering of the University of Stuttgart. [1]. The model of CCU process has been validated comparing the data obtained from literature and the one acquired from the model simulation. After that, it has been scaled up in order to meet the mass flow rate requirement for the CO2 hydrogenation. In fact, concerning CO2 hydrogenation part, it has been used with the proper modifications a model elaborated by Calogero [390] for a thesis project at the Politecnico di Torino. After the definition and the simulation of the complete model, a pinch analysis has been done with the purpose to reduce the need for external sources of heat and cold, with the final objective to reduce the amount of electricity required by the plant. Therefore, a Heat Exchanger Network (HEN) has been proposed. In conclusion, an economic analysis has been carried out in order to evaluate the Total Investment Cost (TIC) of the plant. In this analysis, it has been considered to use only renewable sources in order to satisfy the amount of electric power required by the plant. The analysis has been conducted with the objective to establish a possible methanol price at which it should be sold in order to cover the TIC over the 25-years considered. Then, assuming a possible future methanol price found in literature, to determine the amount of public incentives that should be received, in terms of Euro for tons of CO2 avoided.