System and Process for Production of Methanol from Combined Wind-Turbine and Fuel-Cell Power

Abstract

This study examines the integrated use of wind turbines, natural gas and high temperature fuel cells to produce methanol. The purpose is to produce transportation fuel from national local resources with the least polluting emissions. The fuel would displace petroleum imports and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by converting wind power, natural gas and fuel cell energy. The proposal includes the utilization of waste heat and exhaust gas (CO₂) into clean liquid fuel (methanol) that is compatible with future vehicle technology based on fuel cells. Potential designs are presented and assessed for methanol yield, production cost and emissions reductions. Results show that this process (a) can produce significant amounts of vehicle fuel, comparable to what is annually consumed in the U.S. (∼19 EJ/y); (b) can minimize emissions; (c) is potentially cost competitive with other technologies that produce methanol; and (d) is compatible with the requirements of a new generation of vehicles based on fuel cells.