Revolutionizing Energy: Harnessing On-Demand Hydrogen from Methanol for Sustainable Power Aboard
Firstly, we will describe how Harnessing On-Demand Hydrogen from Methanol happens. A process known as Power-to-Liquids (PtL), which involves the production of liquid methanol through a combination of electrolysis and chemical synthesis, while closing the carbon cycle using renewable energy sources and Direct-Air-Capture technology.
![](https://megayachtguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/rhyme_de-1-1024x508.jpg)
Here’s a breakdown of the key steps in this process:
- Electrolysis of Water (H2O):
- Hydrogen gas (H2) is produced from water through a process called electrolysis.
- Electrolysis involves splitting water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen using an electric current.
- Chemical Synthesis with Carbon Dioxide (CO2):
- The hydrogen gas produced from electrolysis is then combined with carbon dioxide (CO2) in a chemical synthesis process.
- The result of this synthesis is the creation of liquid methanol (CH3OH).
- Renewable Energy Sources:
- The process aims to utilize renewable energy sources to power the electrolysis step.
- Renewable energy sources could include solar, wind, or other sustainable sources of electricity.
- Direct-Air-Capture Technology:
- Direct-Air-Capture technology is employed to capture carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere.
- This helps in closing the carbon cycle by using the captured carbon dioxide in the chemical synthesis of methanol.
- Closing the carbon cycle means that the carbon released during the combustion or use of methanol is balanced by the carbon captured from the atmosphere, resulting in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly process.
- Power-to-Liquids (PtL):
- PtL refers to the overall concept of converting electrical power into liquid fuels, such as methanol.
- In this case, renewable energy sources are used in combination with the mentioned processes to create a sustainable and closed-loop system for methanol production.
In summary, we described a method of producing liquid methanol from water and carbon dioxide using renewable energy and Direct-Air-Capture technology, with the goal of closing the carbon cycle and creating a more sustainable fuel production process.
![](https://megayachtguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-02-134814-1024x466.jpg)
![On-Demand Hydrogen](https://megayachtguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/image-1024x588.png)
Next, we will describe a system where hydrogen is generated on demand from stored methanol through a reforming unit. This hydrogen is then used in a fuel cell on board a device or vehicle to generate electrical power and thermal energy through a reaction with ambient air. Let’s break down the process:
- Hydrogen Extraction from Methanol:
- Hydrogen is not produced directly but rather extracted from stored methanol.
- The stored methanol is likely in liquid form, and a reforming unit is used to extract hydrogen from it when needed.
- Reforming is a chemical process that can break down methanol to release hydrogen gas.
- Fuel Cell Operation Aboard:
- The extracted gaseous hydrogen is then fed into a fuel cell that is located on board, likely within a device, vehicle, or some other application.
- In the fuel cell, hydrogen reacts with ambient air (which contains oxygen) through an electrochemical process.
- This reaction produces electrical power and thermal (heat) energy as byproducts.
- Electrical Power Generation:
- The electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell generates electrical power directly, which can be utilized to power the device or vehicle.
- Thermal Energy Generation:
- In addition to electrical power, the fuel cell also produces thermal energy as a byproduct.
- This thermal energy can be harnessed for various purposes, such as heating or other thermal applications.
- On-Demand Hydrogen Extraction:
- The unique aspect of this system is that hydrogen extraction occurs on request, suggesting that hydrogen is generated only when needed, potentially offering more flexibility in managing energy resources.
![On-Demand Hydrogen](https://megayachtguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-02-134900-1024x542.jpg)
In summary, this system involves extracting hydrogen from stored methanol through a reforming unit and using the generated hydrogen in a fuel cell on board to produce both electrical power and thermal energy. This setup allows for on-demand hydrogen generation and efficient utilization of the extracted hydrogen for various energy needs.