An innovative methanol synthesis process based on self-heat recuperation

•Application of self-heat recuperation to the methanol synthesis was investigated.•A new process for methanol synthesis was developed for energy saving.•A new process design methodology has further energy saving potential for other processes.

The demand for methanol will continue to increase since methanol is an attractive fuel for fuel cells in addition to being an intermediate raw material for hydrogen and dimethyl ether (DME), which are categorized as green energy sources. To produce methanol with a minimum amount of energy, it is necessary to investigate and reconsider a whole methanol synthesis process from energy saving point of view. Recently, we developed an innovative process design technology referred to as self-heat recuperation technology for saving energy. To apply this technology, whole-process heat is recirculated within the process without heat addition leading to large energy savings. In this paper, the feasibility of applying self-heat recuperation technology to the methanol synthesis process is investigated and an innovative process for methanol synthesis is developed from an energy saving point of view. The use of this self-heat recuperation technology in the methanol synthesis process greatly reduces the energy consumption.