Detailed performance analysis of a novel small-scale biomethane liquefaction plant

Abstract

In the current global energy scenario, an important role is played by the increasing production of biomethane, which is carbon-neutral when burned. In addition to production processes, it is paramount to increase the construction of liquefaction plants, in order to simplify the transportation and use of biomethane. However, biomethane liquefaction plants have limited diffusion because of the complexity of current biomethane liquefaction technologies, which have been adapted from natural gas liquefaction plants. Therefore, novel biomethane liquefaction plants are needed to assist the increasing demand of biomethane in the global market. In previous papers, an innovative biomethane liquefaction plant was proposed and studied; compared to current liquefaction technologies, the main advantage is given by the use of simplified heat exchangers. In this paper, the plant performance is explored in more detail by changing some operating parameters to study the efficiency of the whole process by means of a parametric analysis. The results confirm a high potential of the proposed plant, in terms of coefficient of performance and compactness of the heat exchangers.