| abstract |
Methods and systems for producing bio-methanol can include anaerobic digestion of a biomass feedstock to produce biogas including methane and carbon dioxide, partial oxidation of the biogas with oxygen from water electrolysis to produce syngas, synthesizing bio-methanol from the syngas and hydrogen from the water electrolysis, storing the bio-methanol, intermittently using battery based electricity to power the electrolysis during peak electricity demand, and intermittently using renewable electricity from another source during off-peak demand. Electricity can also optionally be obtained by periodically combusting a portion of the bio-methanol. The techniques provide a route for the production of bio-methanol without the engagement of fossil fuels as feedstocks and mitigating fossil fuel derived greenhouse gas emissions from processing and utilization of transportation fuels and commercial or industrial alcohols. |