Energy Flexibilization and Demand Response for a Novel Decentralized Power‐to‐Methanol Process

Due to the rising share of renewables, demand response is becoming more important. Power-to-X technologies are suitable for storing excess energy, due to their high flexibility and fast ramping capabilities. This work presents an optimization framework for the flexibilization of a power-to-methanol process. Based on simulation data from stationary operating points, a mixed-integer nonlinear program including buffer storage, an electrolyser, a PV system, a battery and a PtM plant is constructed. The optimal operation for minimum operating costs and CO2 emissions is determined considering dynamic electricity prices, varying renewable electricity supply and self-sufficient operation. The results demonstrate flexible operation reduces costs by over 30 $\%$ and the CO2 footprint by up to 24 $\%$. In self-sufficient mode, flexible operation allows continuous operation, while stationary operation leads to frequent shutdowns and a lower methanol yield.