Renewable synthetic methanol system design based on modular production lines

This paper addresses a modular design for the methanol synthesis system driven by renewable energy based on the standardization of production lines, aiming to facilitate the storage and utilization of the renewable energy and promote the sustainability of methanol production. An optimization model for the modular design of methanol production lines was proposed to minimize the total annual cost of the system. The modular design scheme of the system, including the number and capacity configuration of the modular production lines, and the scheduling scheme of the modular production lines, were determined by solving the proposed optimization model. The application of the proposed system and the design method were verified via a case study. The effects of the renewable energy fluctuations and the modularization on the design and operation of the methanol synthesis system were explored with the consideration of the continuity and stable operation requirements. •A modular methanol synthesis system driven by renewable energy is constructed.•A design model for the methanol synthesis by modular production lines is proposed.•The design and operation of the modular methanol production system are determined.•The impacts of fluctuations of renewable energy on the system are explored.•The modular methanol synthesis system shows better economic and operational flexibility.