Bio-ReFuel – fase 1

Phase 1: Initial experiments, lab tests and documentation of concept for decision on upscaling the BIO-ReFuel concept in a phase 2

Objectives:

The objective of phase 1 is to design a system for optimization of bio-reforming process of biogas and subsequent methanol synthesis process for renewable energy storage and sustainable fuel production. Experiments will be carried out on a state-of-the-art process of combining steam reforming and dry reforming of biogas in one-step called bio-reforming, and the aim of this part of the project is to convert all CH4, CO2 and H2 to form an optimal stoichiometric ratio of CO and H2 (called syngas) to be used in the subsequent methanol synthesis. An innovative dead-end reactor design concept will be the central experimental element for the methanol synthesis, and the overall objective of this part of the project is to design a synthesis-system that will be able to convert of all the produced syngas into methanol following multiple recycling steps over the reactor-catalyst.

Workpackages:
WP0 -Management
Project agreement between participants
Interim reports, financial statement report and grant payment request every 6 months

Steering committee meetings every 6 months

Project end report

WP1  

Lab-scale test of bio-reforming- and methanol synthesis process

Determine process parameter for bio-reforming- and methanol synthesis

Design consideration for bio-reforming- and methanol synthesis modules

Technical concept evaluation

Status:
The project is divided into two separate phases with different technological challenges. Phase 1 is about moving the two technical challenges to a general TRL (Technological Readiness Level) of 4
 

Phase 1	Current (TRL)	End of phase 1 (TRL)
Bio-reforming	2	4
Methanol synthesis	3	4

Results:

The outcome of the introductory phase 1 will be used in upscaling and designing a bio-reforming and methanol synthesis reactor unit ready to be implemented in the following phase 2.
 

The final outcome of phase 2 of the project will be a demonstration plant capable of converting 10 Nm3 biogas into 18 L methanol per hour with the addition of 3,5 Nm3 hydrogen.

Furthermore, in phase 2, business cases and strategies for implementation of the BIO-ReFuel concept will be developed and elaborated based on technological results and system performance.