Novel system for preparing methanol from greenhouse gas by using solar energy
By combining solar spectral frequency division utilization technology with a photo-assisted thermocatalytic methane dry reforming reactor, the efficient conversion of methane and carbon dioxide in biogas into syngas and the synthesis of methanol has been achieved. This solves the problems of low energy utilization efficiency and high energy consumption in traditional biogas utilization methods, and realizes efficient and low-carbon methanol production.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511398169.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-27
AI Technical Summary
Traditional biogas utilization methods have low energy efficiency and high energy consumption, making it difficult to achieve high-value conversion and efficient utilization, and do not meet the requirements of green development.
By combining solar spectral frequency division utilization technology, photo-assisted thermocatalytic methane dry reforming reactor and methanol synthesis, and integrating concentrating components, frequency division components, photovoltaic power generation devices, heat collection devices and water electrolysis units, the efficient conversion of methane and carbon dioxide in biogas into syngas and the synthesis of methanol is achieved.
It improves energy efficiency, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, lowers manufacturing costs, and meets the requirements of green development.
Smart Images
Figure CN121401993A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of greenhouse gas production technology, and in particular to a novel system for producing methanol from greenhouse gases using solar energy. Background Technology
[0002] With the increasing global demand for clean energy and strict controls on greenhouse gas emissions, developing efficient and low-carbon energy utilization technologies has become an urgent priority. Biogas, as a renewable biomass energy source, is also a major greenhouse gas, primarily composed of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), and is widely found in agricultural waste, livestock manure, and urban organic waste. However, traditional biogas utilization methods (such as direct combustion for power generation or heating) suffer from low energy efficiency, grid connection difficulties, and high energy consumption for purification. Furthermore, with the advancement of the "dual carbon" goal, achieving high-value conversion and efficient utilization of biogas has become a research hotspot. Against this backdrop, a technology for using solar energy to drive biogas reforming to produce methanol has emerged. This technology combines the efficient utilization of solar energy with the high-value conversion of biogas, using solar thermal and photovoltaic technologies to convert methane and carbon dioxide in biogas into syngas (CO and H2), and then synthesize methanol. This method not only improves energy efficiency but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the requirements of green development. Summary of the Invention
[0003] This application provides a novel system for producing methanol from greenhouse gases using solar energy. It organically combines solar spectral frequency division utilization technology, a photo-assisted thermocatalytic methane dry reforming reactor, and methanol synthesis, thereby reducing the cost of producing methanol from biogas.
[0004] The novel system for producing methanol from greenhouse gases using solar energy, as described in this application, includes:
[0005] Concentrating modules, frequency division modules, photovoltaic power generation devices, thermal collectors, and water electrolysis units;
[0006] The concentrating module concentrates sunlight, and the frequency-splitting module divides the concentrated beam into frequencies. The frequency bands suitable for photovoltaic power generation are reflected to the photovoltaic power generation device for photovoltaic power generation, and the remaining frequency bands are concentrated a second time by the concentrating module to the heat collection device. The photovoltaic power generation unit is suitable for using light energy to generate electrical energy. The photovoltaic power generation unit is also connected to the water electrolysis unit to provide electrical energy, and the heat collection device is connected to the dry reforming reactor to provide thermal energy.
[0007] The system includes a biogas pressurization unit, a desulfurization unit, a dry reforming reactor, a first flash tank, and a carbon dioxide removal device. The dry reforming reactor is also equipped with an oxygen inlet, and the water electrolysis reactor is connected to the dry reforming reactor to supply oxygen.
[0008] The biogas pressurization unit is connected to the input end of the desulfurization unit, the output end of the desulfurization unit is connected to the input end of the dry reforming reactor, the discharge end of the dry reforming reactor is connected to the input end of the first flash tank, the output end of the first flash tank is connected to the carbon dioxide removal device, and the discharge end of the carbon dioxide removal device is connected to the methanol synthesis unit.
[0009] This application provides a novel system for producing methanol from greenhouse gases using solar energy. It organically combines solar spectral frequency division utilization technology, a photo-assisted thermocatalytic methane dry reforming reactor, and methanol synthesis, thereby reducing the cost of producing methanol from biogas.
[0010] In some embodiments, the novel system for producing methanol from greenhouse gases using solar energy is characterized by further comprising a first heat exchanger having a first channel and a second channel that exchange heat with each other and are independent of each other. The inlet of the first channel is connected to the output end of the desulfurization unit, the outlet of the first channel is connected to the oxygen output end of the dry reforming reactor, the inlet of the second channel is connected to the output end of the solar collector, and the input end of the solar collector is connected to the outlet of the second channel.
[0011] In some embodiments, the water electrolysis unit includes a water electrolysis device and an oxygen storage tank, wherein the input end of the oxygen storage tank is connected to the water electrolysis device, and the output end of the oxygen storage tank is connected to the oxygen inlet of the dry reforming reactor.
[0012] In some embodiments, the novel system for producing methanol from greenhouse gases using solar energy further includes a first flow regulator, one end of which is connected to the output end of the oxygen storage tank, and the other end of which is connected to the oxygen inlet of the dry reforming reactor.
[0013] In some embodiments, the water electrolysis unit further includes a hydrogen storage tank connected to the water electrolysis device to store hydrogen, the dry reforming reactor having a hydrogen inlet, and the output end of the hydrogen storage tank being connected to the hydrogen inlet of the dry reforming reactor.
[0014] In some embodiments, the novel system for producing methanol from greenhouse gases using solar energy further includes a second flow regulator, one end of which is connected to the output of the hydrogen storage tank, and the other end of which is connected to the hydrogen inlet of the dry reforming reactor.
[0015] In some embodiments, the novel system for producing methanol from greenhouse gases using solar energy further includes a third flow regulating valve, wherein the output of the first flash tank is connected to the input of the third flow regulating valve, and the output of the third flow regulating valve is connected to the carbon dioxide removal device.
[0016] In some embodiments, the carbon dioxide removal device is selected from one of the following: MDEA decarbonization device, PSA decarbonization device, gas separation membrane device, or cryogenic distillation device.
[0017] In some embodiments, the first heat exchanger is any one of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger, a plate heat exchanger, or a heat pipe heat exchanger.
[0018] In some embodiments, the concentrating component includes a primary concentrator and a secondary concentrator. The primary concentrator is used to concentrate natural sunlight to a frequency-dividing component. The frequency-dividing component reflects a first beam of light that can be efficiently utilized by photovoltaic cells and transmits the remaining solar light to the secondary concentrating component. The secondary concentrating component is used to concentrate the frequency-divided residual light to a heat collection device. Attached Figure Description
[0019] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a novel system for producing methanol from greenhouse gases using solar energy, provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a dry reforming reactor provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0022] The above figures include the following reference numerals:
[0023] Concentrating component 1, primary concentrator 11, secondary concentrator 12,
[0024] Frequency divider 2, photovoltaic power generation device 3, heat collection device 4, water electrolysis device 5, biogas pressurization unit 6, desulfurization unit 7, dry reforming reactor 8, first heat exchanger 9, first flow regulator 10, first flash tank 20, carbon dioxide removal device 30, methanol synthesis unit 40, second flow regulator 50, third flow regulator 60. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this application.
[0026] It should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. The terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly, for example, they can be fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can be mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; they can be internal connections between two elements. The terms "parallel," "perpendicular," and "equal" include the described situation and situations similar to the described situation, the range of which is within an acceptable deviation range, wherein the acceptable deviation range is determined by those skilled in the art taking into account the measurement under discussion and the error associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "parallel" includes absolute parallelism and approximate parallelism, where an acceptable deviation range for approximate parallelism can be, for example, within 5°; "perpendicular" includes absolute perpendicularity and approximate perpendicularity, where an acceptable deviation range for approximate perpendicularity can also be, for example, within 5°. "Equal" includes absolute equality and approximate equality, where an acceptable deviation range for approximate equality can be, for example, a difference between the two equal items being less than or equal to 5% of either one. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0027] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0028] The novel system for producing methanol from greenhouse gases using solar energy, as described in this application, includes:
[0029] Concentrating module 1, frequency divider module 2, photovoltaic power generation device 3, thermal collector device 4, and water electrolysis unit;
[0030] Concentrating module 1 concentrates sunlight, and frequency splitting module 2 divides the concentrated beam into frequencies. The frequency bands suitable for photovoltaic power generation are reflected to photovoltaic power generation device 3 for photovoltaic power generation. Photovoltaic power generation device 3 is connected to water electrolysis unit to provide power to water electrolysis unit. The remaining frequency bands are concentrated a second time by concentrating module 1 to heat collection device 4. Photovoltaic power generation unit is suitable for using light energy to generate electricity. Photovoltaic power generation unit is also connected to water electrolysis unit to provide electricity. Heat collection device 4 is connected to dry reforming reactor 8 to provide heat energy.
[0031] The biogas pressurization unit 6, desulfurization unit 7, dry reforming reactor 8, first flash tank 20 and carbon dioxide removal device 30 are provided. The dry reforming reactor 8 is also equipped with an oxygen inlet. The water electrolysis reactor is connected to the dry reforming reactor 8 to supply oxygen.
[0032] The biogas pressurization unit 6 is connected to the input end of the desulfurization unit 7, the output end of the desulfurization unit 7 is connected to the input end of the dry reforming reactor 8, the discharge end of the dry reforming reactor 8 is connected to the input end of the first flash tank 20, the output end of the first flash tank 20 is connected to the carbon dioxide removal device 30, and the discharge end of the carbon dioxide removal device 30 is connected to the methanol synthesis unit 40.
[0033] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the concentrating module 1 concentrates sunlight, and the frequency-splitting module 2 divides the concentrated beam into frequencies. The frequencies suitable for photovoltaic power generation are reflected to the photovoltaic power generation device 3 for photovoltaic power generation. At the same time, the photovoltaic power generation device 3 is connected to the water electrolysis unit to provide power to the water electrolysis unit. The remaining frequencies are concentrated a second time by the concentrating module 1 to the heat collection device 4 for collecting heat energy.
[0034] Biogas is pressurized by a compressor and then sent to a desulfurization unit. The desulfurized biogas then enters a dry reforming reactor 8. An electrolysis reactor is connected to the dry reforming reactor 8 to supply oxygen. The mixed feed gas is preheated and then sent to the dry reforming reactor 8, where oxygen is introduced to maintain the oxygen-to-carbon ratio and aid combustion, thus increasing the temperature of the reactants. The dry reforming reactor 8 is also equipped with a nickel-based catalyst. Further, under the action of a sufficient amount of the nickel-based catalyst, methane and carbon dioxide undergo dry reforming to obtain syngas, which is then sent to the first flash tank 20 to separate the condensate. Afterward, it enters a carbon dioxide removal unit 30 for adjustment to obtain syngas with a suitable hydrogen-to-carbon ratio. The syngas is then sent to a methanol synthesis reaction unit to produce methanol. A heat collection device 4 is connected to the dry reforming reactor 8 to provide thermal energy. For example, the solar collector can deliver heat energy to the dry reforming reactor 8 by passing a medium with a certain amount of heat output. For example, a pipe can be installed on the outer periphery of the dry reforming reactor 8 to allow the medium output by the solar collector to pass through, so as to avoid heat loss from the dry reforming reactor 8 and improve the stability of the dry reforming reactor 8.
[0035] This invention discloses a novel system for producing methanol from greenhouse gases using solar energy. Through the design of a concentrator 1 and a frequency divider 2, the system effectively utilizes solar energy. On one hand, it converts solar energy in the frequency band suitable for photovoltaic power generation into electrical energy to power the water electrolysis unit, producing hydrogen and oxygen. On the other hand, it converts the remaining frequency band of solar energy into heat energy to meet heating requirements such as preheating of the feed gas in the dry reforming reactor 8. This improves the overall energy utilization efficiency of the system, reduces the energy required for heating the dry reforming reactor 8, and lowers manufacturing costs.
[0036] Furthermore, the novel system for producing methanol from greenhouse gases using solar energy also includes a first heat exchanger 9. The first heat exchanger 9 has a first channel and a second channel that exchange heat with each other and are independent. The inlet of the first channel is connected to the output end of the desulfurization unit 7, the outlet of the first channel is connected to the oxygen output end of the dry reforming reactor 8, the inlet of the second channel is connected to the output end of the solar collector, and the input end of the solar collector is connected to the outlet of the second channel.
[0037] By setting up a first heat exchanger 9 to exchange heat with the gas in the second channel, the fluid received by the dry reforming reactor 8 into the desulfurization unit 7 is preheated, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the dry reforming reactor 8 in heating the reaction gas and reducing operating costs.
[0038] In some embodiments, the water electrolysis unit includes a water electrolysis device 5 and an oxygen storage tank. The input end of the oxygen storage tank is connected to the water electrolysis device 5, and the output end of the oxygen storage tank is connected to the oxygen inlet of the dry reforming reactor 8.
[0039] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the water electrolysis device 5 is suitable for electrolyzing water to generate oxygen and hydrogen. The input end of the oxygen storage tank is connected to the water electrolysis device 5 to store oxygen, and the output end of the oxygen storage tank is connected to the oxygen inlet of the dry reforming reactor 8 to introduce oxygen into the dry reforming reactor 8 to assist combustion and increase the temperature of the reactants, thereby eliminating the need to purchase oxygen and reducing manufacturing costs.
[0040] Furthermore, the novel system for producing methanol from greenhouse gases using solar energy also includes a first flow regulator 10. One end of the first flow regulator 10 is connected to the output of an oxygen storage tank, and the other end is connected to the oxygen inlet of a dry reforming reactor 8. The first flow regulator 10 can control the oxygen flow rate from the oxygen storage tank to the dry reforming reactor 8. This ensures that the dry reforming reactor 8 receives an appropriate amount of oxygen during operation, avoiding decreased reaction efficiency or safety issues due to insufficient or excessive oxygen supply.
[0041] In some embodiments, the water electrolysis unit further includes a hydrogen storage tank connected to the water electrolysis device 5 to store hydrogen. The dry reforming reactor 8 has a hydrogen inlet, and the outlet of the hydrogen storage tank is connected to the hydrogen inlet of the dry reforming reactor 8. By introducing hydrogen into the dry reforming reactor 8 and controlling the hydrogen flow rate, the conditions of the dry reforming reaction can be flexibly adjusted. For example, under different operating conditions, the reaction conditions can be optimized by increasing or decreasing the hydrogen flow rate to ensure the reaction proceeds under optimal conditions. The addition of hydrogen can improve the system's adaptability to different feed gas compositions. In practical applications, the composition of biogas may vary; by supplementing with hydrogen, the composition of the feed gas can be adjusted to ensure the stability and efficiency of the reaction.
[0042] Furthermore, the novel system for producing methanol from greenhouse gases using solar energy also includes a second flow regulator 50, one end of which is connected to the output end of a hydrogen storage tank, and the other end of which is connected to the hydrogen inlet of a dry reforming reactor 8.
[0043] In some embodiments, the novel system for producing methanol from greenhouse gases using solar energy further includes a third flow control valve. The output of the first flash tank 20 is connected to the input of the third flow control valve, and the output of the third flow control valve is connected to the carbon dioxide removal device 30. The third flow control valve can control the flow rate from the first flash tank 20 to the carbon dioxide removal device 30. This dynamically adjusts the flow rate to adapt to different operating conditions, avoiding decreased regulation efficiency or safety issues caused by insufficient or excessive flow. For example, when the system load changes, the flow rate can be adjusted to maintain optimal operating conditions for the carbon dioxide removal device 30.
[0044] Furthermore, the methanol synthesis unit 40 includes a synthesis gas pressurization unit, a preheater, a methanol synthesis device, a second flash tank, and a distillation unit connected in sequence, for performing a methanol synthesis reaction on the second synthesis gas to obtain methanol.
[0045] In some embodiments, the carbon dioxide removal device 30 is selected from a gas separation membrane device or a cryogenic distillation device.
[0046] In some embodiments, the first heat exchanger 9 is any one of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger, a plate heat exchanger, or a heat pipe heat exchanger.
[0047] Furthermore, the concentrating module 1 includes a primary concentrator 11 and a secondary concentrator 12. The primary concentrator 11 is used to concentrate natural sunlight to the frequency divider 2. The frequency divider 2 reflects the first beam of light that can be efficiently utilized by the photovoltaic cells and transmits the remaining solar light to the secondary concentrating module 1. The secondary concentrating module 1 is used to concentrate the frequency-divided residual light to the heat collection device 4.
[0048] The frequency divider 2 of this invention reflects the first beam of light that can be efficiently utilized by photovoltaic cells, and transmits the remaining solar afterglow to the secondary concentrator 1. The solar spectrum is divided into two parts according to photon energy for different energy-efficient conversion pathways. Preferably, the frequency divider 2 is made of multilayer polymer or semiconductor stacked nanofilm. By adjusting the position of the frequency divider 2, the specific wavelengths of the first beam and the afterglow can be controlled. In this novel system for producing methanol from greenhouse gases using solar energy, the synergistic design of the primary concentrator 11, the secondary concentrator 12, and the frequency divider 2 achieves efficient utilization of solar energy. By dividing the solar spectrum into two parts for photovoltaic power generation and thermal collection respectively, the system can maximize the utilization of solar energy, improve energy efficiency, and reduce operating costs.
[0049] The foregoing has provided a detailed description of the method provided in this application. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the embodiments above are merely for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications to this application without departing from its principles, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this application.
Claims
1. A novel system for producing methanol from greenhouse gases using solar energy, characterized in that, include: Concentrating modules, frequency division modules, photovoltaic power generation devices, thermal collectors, and water electrolysis units; The concentrating module concentrates sunlight, and the frequency-dividing module divides the concentrated beam into frequencies. The frequency band suitable for photovoltaic power generation is reflected to the photovoltaic power generation device for photovoltaic power generation, and the remaining frequency bands are concentrated a second time by the concentrating module to the heat collection device. The photovoltaic power generation unit is suitable for using light energy to generate electrical energy. The photovoltaic power generation unit is also connected to the water electrolysis unit to provide electrical energy. The system includes a biogas pressurization unit, a desulfurization unit, a dry reforming reactor, a first flash tank, and a carbon dioxide removal device. The dry reforming reactor is also equipped with an oxygen inlet. The water electrolysis reactor is connected to the dry reforming reactor to supply oxygen, and the heat collection device is connected to the dry reforming reactor to provide heat energy. The biogas pressurization unit is connected to the input end of the desulfurization unit, the output end of the desulfurization unit is connected to the input end of the dry reforming reactor, the discharge end of the dry reforming reactor is connected to the input end of the first flash tank, the output end of the first flash tank is connected to the carbon dioxide removal device, and the discharge end of the carbon dioxide removal device is connected to the methanol synthesis unit.
2. The novel system for producing methanol from greenhouse gases using solar energy according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first heat exchanger, which has a first channel and a second channel that exchange heat with each other and are independent. The inlet of the first channel is connected to the output end of the desulfurization unit, the outlet of the first channel is connected to the oxygen output end of the dry reforming reactor, the inlet of the second channel is connected to the output end of the solar collector, and the input end of the solar collector is connected to the outlet of the second channel.
3. The novel system for producing methanol from greenhouse gases using solar energy according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water electrolysis unit includes a water electrolysis device and an oxygen storage tank. The input end of the oxygen storage tank is connected to the water electrolysis device, and the output end of the oxygen storage tank is connected to the oxygen inlet of the dry reforming reactor.
4. The novel system for producing methanol from greenhouse gases using solar energy according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a first flow regulator, one end of which is connected to the output end of the oxygen storage tank, and the other end of which is connected to the oxygen inlet of the dry reforming reactor.
5. The novel system for producing methanol from greenhouse gases using solar energy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water electrolysis unit also includes a hydrogen storage tank, which is connected to the water electrolysis device to store hydrogen. The dry reforming reactor has a hydrogen inlet, and the output end of the hydrogen storage tank is connected to the hydrogen inlet of the dry reforming reactor.
6. The novel system for producing methanol from greenhouse gases using solar energy according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a second flow regulator, one end of which is connected to the output end of the hydrogen storage tank, and the other end of which is connected to the hydrogen inlet of the dry reforming reactor.
7. The novel system for producing methanol from greenhouse gases using solar energy according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a third flow regulating valve, the output end of the first flash tank is connected to the input end of the third flow regulating valve, and the output end of the third flow regulating valve is connected to the carbon dioxide removal device.
8. The novel system for producing methanol from greenhouse gases using solar energy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The carbon dioxide removal device is either a gas separation membrane device or a cryogenic distillation device.
9. The novel system for producing methanol from greenhouse gases using solar energy according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first heat exchanger is any one of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger, a plate heat exchanger, or a heat pipe heat exchanger.
10. The novel system for producing methanol from greenhouse gases using solar energy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The concentrating component includes a primary concentrator and a secondary concentrator. The primary concentrator is used to concentrate natural sunlight to the frequency divider. The frequency divider reflects the first beam of light that can be efficiently utilized by the photovoltaic cells and transmits the remaining solar light to the secondary concentrator. The secondary concentrator is used to concentrate the frequency-divided residual light to the heat collection device.