Optimal Design of a Modular Production System for Renewable Methanol to Mitigate Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Coal-Fired Power Plants

An optimal design approach for a modular production system (MPS) for producing renewable methanol is proposed, aming at mitigating carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants. A mathematical programming model is established to optimize the capacity configuration and material/energy scheduling scheme of the MPS. The coal-fired power plant serves as the variable carbon source, whereas the wind farm provides the fluctuating renewable energy supply. The optimal design parameters and scheduling strategies for the MPS are determined by solving the proposed model. Two scenarios are considered, i.e. one involving sole energy supply fluctuations, and another one encompassing fluctuations in both energy and carbon supplies. These scenarios are analyzed to understand their effects on the design and operational performances of the MPS. The influence of wind power prices on the total annual cost of the MPS is also examined to identify the optimal conditions for deploying the proposed system.