The integration of photovoltaic energy in the electrical grid determines specific problems mainly related to the intermittent and non-programmable electric power generated. In addition, the production peaks that characterize photovoltaic energy may constitute a problem for the electrical grid, which sometimes may not be able to manage it. In the last decade, several energy storage technologies have been studied to overcome these challenges. An innovative process for solar energy storage via methane production seems to be a viable technology and it is analyzed in the present paper. The process is formed by an electrolysis section for hydrogen production from water, through the use of solar energy and a Sabatier reactor for hydrogen conversion into methane. The produced methane can be stored or sent into the existing distribution grids, ensuring the requested energy availability at different times. The objective of this paper is the optimization of the process’ phases through the evaluation of the specific energy consumption and the effects of the operating parameters, such as pressure and temperature, on the process performances.
Methane production as solar energy storage: energy and process evaluations
CASTELLANI, BEATRICE;MORINI, ELENA;FILIPPONI, MIRKO;NICOLINI, ANDREA;COTANA, Franco;ROSSI, Federico
2014
Abstract
The integration of photovoltaic energy in the electrical grid determines specific problems mainly related to the intermittent and non-programmable electric power generated. In addition, the production peaks that characterize photovoltaic energy may constitute a problem for the electrical grid, which sometimes may not be able to manage it. In the last decade, several energy storage technologies have been studied to overcome these challenges. An innovative process for solar energy storage via methane production seems to be a viable technology and it is analyzed in the present paper. The process is formed by an electrolysis section for hydrogen production from water, through the use of solar energy and a Sabatier reactor for hydrogen conversion into methane. The produced methane can be stored or sent into the existing distribution grids, ensuring the requested energy availability at different times. The objective of this paper is the optimization of the process’ phases through the evaluation of the specific energy consumption and the effects of the operating parameters, such as pressure and temperature, on the process performances.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
