Modelling of an integrated protonic ceramic electrolyzer cell (PCEC) for methanol synthesis

In this study, a novel reactor model is developed by combining protonic ceramic electrolyzer cell (PCEC) electrolysis for hydrogen production and CO2 recycling for methanol synthesis. The problem of temperature mismatch between PCEC and methanol synthesis is solved by supplying low-temperature gas intermediately, so as to realize the integrated direct synthesis of methanol. After model validation, a study of the effects of key operating parameters on the methanol production and temperature distribution of the system is conducted. It is found that increasing the operating voltage and electrolysis operating temperature, or decreasing the supplemental gas temperature enhances methanol production, while the carrier gas flow rate, supplemental gas flow rate and anode flow rate all have the optimal values (QN2 = 10–35 SCCM, QCO2 = 20–50 SCCM and Qan = 250–300 SCCM). Meanwhile, the temperature distribution of the system is also significantly affected by the above operating parameters, and it is possible to achieve a precise control of the operating conditions of the coupled system by adjusting the above operating parameters to ensure an efficient and long-term operation. This study provides an insight and a new approach for the recycling of CO2 and the green synthesis of methanol.