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

ABSTRACT 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 CO 2 emissions is determined considering dynamic electricity prices, varying renewable electricity supply and self‐sufficient operation. The results demonstrate flexible operation reduces costs by over and the CO 2 footprint by up to . In self‐sufficient mode, flexible operation allows continuous operation, while stationary operation leads to frequent shutdowns and a lower methanol yield.