Title : Magnetically induced heterogeneous catalysis for energy storage applications: methanation of CO2
Abstract:
Climate change is a major worldwide challenge, with the energy and industrial sectors being responsible for the majority of GHG emissions. A variety of solutions are being studied, such as the electrification of industrial heating and power-to-gas storage solutions. In this study, we aim to study an innovative magnetically heated pilot-scale methanation reactor. Induction heating presents a unique advantage in this context, offering rapid and localized heating directly to the catalytic bed via the heating agent, which improves reaction kinetics, energy efficiency and reactor control. The heating agent is Iron wool, a commercially available, low cost and versatile material that has been successfully used by our group for a variety of magnetically induced heterogeneous catalytic reactions. Our study investigates both the magnetic heating of our catalytic bed as well as the advantages in terms of high conversion rates of CO? into methane, low power consumption, and a dynamic reactor control which is suitable for PtG applications. First, the effect of packing and geometrical factors on the heating were studied, and the heating mechanisms were defined. In addition, the pilot reactor showed extremely fast start-up times compared to current industrial methanation reactors, with the possibility to dynamically control the heating. High CO2 conversion rates (>90%) and high CH4 selectivity (>98%) were obtained. The experimental results were then replicated with the developed numerical model and further simulations and operating conditions were explored. This research not only highlights the feasibility of using induction heating in the methanation process but also underscores its broader implications for the future of industrial process electrification, aiming to contribute to more sustainable and flexible energy systems.
