Optimization of autothermal methanol reforming system through waste heat recovery strategy

Autothermal methanol reforming addresses the external heating limitation from conventional methanol steam reforming process by integrating exothermic combustion with endothermic reforming. It enables the self-sustained operation and quick startup. However, the system still needs a high level of heat load with the unsatisfied efficiency. Herein, a coupled thermodynamic and exergy analysis of self-sustaining methanol reforming system is reported by integrating the membrane separation and waste heat recovery unit. The system achieves high thermal efficiency of 69.46% and an exergy efficiency of 64.62%. The implementation of waste heat recovery utilization significantly reduces the energy demand, elevating the overall energy and exergy efficiencies to 72.76% and 67.29%, respectively. The work provides a validated theoretical framework and practical design strategy for developing high-performance and self-sustained hydrogen production system.