Dynamic electrical behaviour of a solar powered methanol micro-plant

Title

Dynamic electrical behaviour of a solar powered methanol micro-plant

 Author

Blankert, Olivier (TU Delft Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science; TU Delft Photovoltaic Materials and Devices; ZEF B.V.)

Contributor

Smets, A.H.M. (mentor)

Degree granting institution

Delft University of Technology

 Date

2019-10-30

 Abstract

Liquid fuels are projected to account for 88% of total energy use in the transportation sector in 2040. Low cost of renewable energy poses a new opportunity for decarbonisation of the transport sector. As a liquid en- ergy carrier, methanol offers a promising solution for alternative fuels in aviation, shipping and long-distance trucking. Zero Emission Fuels (ZEF) is developing a state-of-the-art autonomous solar PV powered methanol micro-plant. By using air, sunlight, alkaline electrolysis and synthesis reaction, renewable liquid methanol is produced. The electrical system of the micro-plant is complex and comprises of various components and actuators. In order to understand the dynamic short-term electrical behaviour of the system, a simulation tool is developed in MATLAB and Simulink. Mathematical models of a 300 W PV panel, alkaline electrolyser cell stack, DC-DC (buck) converter, cartridge heater, Peltier element, a compressor, a brush-less DC fan and solenoid valve are built or adopted. Joined together in a model of the micro-plant system, they predict the electrical interplay on a 20 μs timescale. Simulations using various scenarios and different irradiation levels show several bottlenecks, prohibiting desired operation. The main problem uncovered is the discontinu- ous switching behaviour of the buck converter, causing distortions in the main circuit and badly influences the power generation of the PV panel. The addition of a buck converter input filter showed significantly improved micro-plant performance and more stability during operation. The observations regarding plant performance and response to disturbances show the importance of the dynamic simulation tool that was developed. It gives a realistic insight in the dynamics of the electrical interplay of components, as well as it shows the shortcomings and improvements of the original system design.

 Subject

Dynamic Analysis
solar-to-fuel
Alkaline electrolysis
Methanol synthesis
micro-plant
electrical
simulation
system
autonomous
Direct air capture
direct coupling
Renewable Energy

 To reference this document use:

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:fc2f383e-a692-4479-94ac-a4054daa138e

 Embargo date

2021-10-23

 Part of collection

Student theses

 Document type

master thesis

 Rights

© 2019 Olivier Blankert
Files
PDF DIGITAL_FULL_REPORT_BLANKERT.pdf 24.58 MB
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