TRANSFORMING CO2 VALORIZATION: TRI-REFORMING FOR METHANOL SYNTHESIS AND SUSTAINABLE EMISSION REDUCTION IN POWER PLANTS

Abstract

The substantial CO2 emissions of power plant flue gases greatly increase global greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, finding environmentally friendly strategies for converting CO2 into products with added value is important. The tri-reforming of methane (TRM) integrated with methanol synthesis offers a promising pathway for CO2 valorization while improving syngas utilization and energy efficiency. The TRM process was simulated and optimized by using Aspen HYSYS V.12.1 to simulate to assess the significance of flue gas composition, operating conditions, and energy integration on methanol yield and total energy demand. The results indicate that an optimal feed composition of CO2 = 0.1, O2 = 0.5, and H2O = 0.4 mole fractions led to a methanol production rate of 23.03 kmol/h based on a 100 kmol/h syngas feed containing CO, H2, and N2. The total methanol output from the simulation by treating 1000 kmol/h of industrial power plant flue gas reached 557.8 kmol/h with a purity of 99.15% and a significantly reduced carbon footprint of 0.3 kg CO2 per kg methanol. Additionally, energy optimization through the complete combustion of CH4 shifted the system from a net energy demand of 1.718 x 107 kJ/h to a surplus of -2.240 x 107 kJ/h, enabling potential power generation and improving process sustainability. These findings confirm that TRM-based methanol synthesis is an energy-efficient, low-emission alternative to conventional processes. By optimizing feed composition and heat integration, the process enhances CO2 valorization, achieves energy self-sufficiency, and provides a viable pathway for sustainable methanol production.