Performance analysis of sabatier reaction on direct hydrogen inlet rates based on solar-to-gas conversion system

Abstract Synthetic methane is a major energy carrier having high energy density and can potentially replace fossil fuels. In this study, a solar-to-gas conversion system was developed using CO2 and solar-based hydrogen to meet the present energy demands. However, high reaction temperature induced by the inlet reactant gases can affect catalyst performance and cost of investment. Thus, we investigated power consumption of the reactor operating temperature for the system. The influence of hydrogen generation rates (GRH2) on the Sabatier reaction was analyzed, and the concentration of methane and total power consumption of the methanation system was highlighted. The highest methane concentrations were observed at 0.337 and 0.449 NL/min of GRH2. Subsequently, high methane composition (98.4%) was observed at 220 °C and 0.449 NL/min of GRH2. Therefore, methanation system with solar-based hydrogen can effectively distribute synthetic methane to the gas grid.