The research partners ZBT and Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) recently met with their associated industry partners in Duisburg for the kick-off event of the project ‘Model-based design optimisation of power-to-X processes using the example of an e-methane plant’ (MoDOpt-PtX). The project will be supported throughout its entire duration by thyssenkrupp Uhde, Open Grid Europe and Westfalen Weser Energieservice in order to align the project focus with application-oriented scenarios and to assess the practical relevance of the research questions. These companies represent industry and municipal energy supply in the project and will now be gradually involved in the details.

The MoDOpt-PtX project, funded by the EFRE/JTF programme Forschungsinfrastrukturen.NRW, aims to develop the knowledge-based design and scale-up of flexible PtX plants. In the context of this project, knowledge-based means that findings from representative experiments (focus: ZBT) and modelling and optimisation calculations (focus: RUB) are taken into account equally. In particular, heat transfer in the exothermic reaction is also addressed (focus: ZBT).

In the area of optimisation, the operation, the design of the plant itself and the heat transfer are all taken into account. This makes it possible to develop optimised and scalable plants and reactors that are suitable for different site conditions (CO₂ source, power source, size). The methods used include innovative measurement technology (high-resolution optical temperature measurement), rigorous apparatus modelling (1D, 2D and 3D) and optimisation methods for geometry and operational optimisation.

Possible application scenarios that may be the focus of the project include e-methane as SNG for the natural gas grid (centralised or decentralised), as a feedstock for the chemical industry or as a means of reducing CO₂ emissions from stationary point sources. Depending on the boundary conditions, questions arise regarding the optimal plant size and configuration, which will be answered within the scope of this project.

Project title:

Model-based design optimisation of power-to-X processes using the example of an e-methane plant (MoDOpt-PtX)

Participating institutes

• Ruhr University Bochum, Chair of Fluid Process Engineering
• ZBT – The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Center (Consortium leadership)

Associated partners

• thyssenkrupp Uhde
• Open Grid Europe
• Energieservice Westfalen Weser

Funding code

EFRE-20400083 and EFRE-20400084

Further information

www.efre.nrw

Department Fuels and Processes