Project Objectives
What we aim to achieve
UP-TO-ME has a variety of ambitious project objectives that contribute to both the scientific, societal and economic impacts of the end result.
Reducing energy requirements by
The fully automated
plant will run for
The fuel will reduce harmful emissions by
Production
of Methanol
The design of smart self-optimising automation for unmanned flexible operation of the Power-to-Methanol experimental plant
We will develop a fully automated, self-learning control system that will allow production at typical fluctuating energy profiles by combining dynamic plant models and Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods.
The off-grid operation of the Power-to-Methanol plant will be demonstrated by simulation studies using available power generation profiles for different locations. The unmanned operation of the experimental plant will run for at least 300 hours.
Engineering the printed metal reactor and structured packings
This objective focuses on the development of a metal 3D printed methanol synthesis reactor with channel geometry optimised according to the catalyst deposition strategy. This will result in at least 15% reduction in costs than the competing micro channel manufacturing technologies.
Experimentally we will verify a high-throughput and light-weight heat exchanger-type reactor that has less than 20% of the steel mass with similar mechanical strength of conventional reactors. This is aimed to facilitate dynamic operation (lower thermal inertia) and decrease the environmental impact of the reactor manufacturing.
Ensure low environmental impact and better resource efficiency than current commercial renewable technologies
This objective focuses on facilitating decentralised production of methanol with >5% higher overall energy efficiency compared to existing processes. UP-TO-ME will carry out a detailed case-study on the sustainable use of biogenic carbon sources for the projects concept including resources availability, competitive utilisation routes, geographical distribution and logistics.
Evaluation of the produced renewable methanol as a marine fuel
We will experimentally assess the suitability of the produced fuel on a marine type of engine, at least two criteria analyses are to be met to approve methanol samples for energy use, lower heating value and ignition properties.
We will provide maximum limits for at least three impurities of the product to become a sustainable marine fuel. To be sustainable the fuel must reduce 90% of harmful pollutant emissions compared to today's fuels.
The Power-to-Methanol process
The UP-TO-ME process
The patented process to be implemented in UP-TO-ME reduces energy requirements by 30% compared to conventional amine-based technology. Additionally, it simplifies the process by reducing the number of units, operating without additional solvent for CO2 and can potentially remove sulphur impurities from the feedstock.
Furthermore, smart full automation, self-optimisation and remote monitoring will enable dynamic off-grid operation of the Power-to-Methanol plant. To our knowledge no Power-to-Methanol plant has achieved this so far!
A smart self-optimising dynamic operation enables the reduction of intermediates storages such as H2. The process also allows upgrading of biogas and bio-methane for further distribution and thus, enabling wider use of biogas plants as carbon-neutral sources of fuels and chemicals for transportation and industry.
The UP-TO-ME process
We will produce at least 100L of methanol!
The patented process to be implemented in UP-TO-ME reduces energy requirements by 30% compared to conventional amine-based technology. Additionally, it simplifies the process by reducing the number of units, operating without additional solvent for CO2 and can potentially remove sulphur impurities from the feedstock.
Furthermore, smart full automation, self-optimisation and remote monitoring will enable dynamic off-grid operation of the Power-to-Methanol plant. To our knowledge no Power-to-Methanol plant has achieved this so far!
A smart self-optimising dynamic operation enables the reduction of intermediates storages such as H2. The process also allows upgrading of biogas and bio-methane for further distribution and thus, enabling wider use of biogas plants as carbon-neutral sources of fuels and chemicals for transportation and industry.