Systematic evaluation of a high-performance solar-driven hybrid system for cost-effective methanol and hydrogen co-production via chemical looping methane reforming

Abstract

During the transition from traditional commercial methanol synthesis to zero-carbon solar methanol production, an optimal strategy that bridges industry practices with future prospects is required to ensure both efficient and low-carbon methanol production. In this study, a solar-driven chemical looping reforming-based hybrid system is proposed for coproduction of methanol and hydrogen, an experimentally validated mid-temperature chemical looping reforming process is introduced to produce optimal syngas and high-purity hydrogen. The thermodynamic, economic and environmental evaluations are carried out, and mechanisms for improved performance are uncovered. The results show that the hybrid system showcases overall energy and exergy efficiencies of 64.6 % and 71.3 %, respectively, with over 5 % rise in efficiencies and a 300 °C reforming temperature drop compared to steam methane reforming-based system. Exergy destructions are reduced by 34.3 % in fuel conversion and 47.1 % in heat exchange. The levelized cost of methanol is cut by 23.8 % and lowered to 300 $ t⁻¹, with over 60 % of the cost offset by value-added H₂ byproduct. CO₂ emission is reduced by 65 % at a lower carbon cost through effective vent gas utilization. This research is expected to offer an eco-friendly, efficient, and economical solution for utilizing solar energy in large-scale methanol production.