Comprehensive evaluation and optimization strategy of solar-driven methanol steam reforming for hydrogen production

In the current era of green energy transformation and hydrogen utilization, there is a pervasive interest in thermochemical hydrogen production using solar energy. This study proposes an innovative strategy for the comprehensive evaluation and optimization of a novel solar-driven methanol steam reforming hydrogen production system. The solar-to-chemical conversion and utilization process were simulated via a comprehensive model, incorporating a kinetic model to calculate the reaction process within the photothermal reactor. Furthermore, an integrated evaluation system based on Taguchi's design, ANOVA, and gray relational analysis was constructed to optimize the objectives of methanol conversion, hydrogen yield, and CO selectivity. The results revealed that the catalyst weight to inlet methanol molar rate operating parameter significantly influenced system performance compared to the inlet temperature and steam-methanol ratio. The multi-objective optimized operating factors resulted in the highest methanol conversion (99.99 %), the highest hydrogen yield (3.196), and the lowest CO selectivity (1.71E-3). Additionally, a interaction factor analysis model is introduced to evaluate the interaction effects between each factor. The results indicate consistent optimal values and corresponding operating conditions across these methods for the system proposed in this study. This study offers valuable insights and guidance for the practical operation of solar-driven thermochemical hydrogen production reactions.