Simulation of a Pilot Scale Power-to-Liquid Plant Producing Synthetic Fuel and Wax by Combining Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis and SOEC.

Power-to-Liquid (PtL) plants can viably implement carbon capture and utilization technologies in Europe. In addition, local CO₂ sources can be valorized to substitute oil and gas imports. This work's aim was to determine the PtL efficiency obtained by combining a solid oxide electrolyzer (SOEC) and Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. In addition, a recommended plant configuration to produce synthetic fuel and wax at pilot scale is established. The presented process configurations with and without a tail gas reformer were modeled and analyzed using IPSEpro as simulation software. A maximum mass flow rate of naphtha, middle distillate and wax of 57.8 kg/h can be realized by using a SOEC unit operated in co-electrolysis mode, with a rated power of 1 MW_el.. A maximum PtL efficiency of 50.8% was found for the process configuration without a tail gas reformer. Implementing a tail gas reformer resulted in a maximum PtL efficiency of 62.7%. Hence, the reforming of tail gas is highly beneficial for the PtL plant's productivity and efficiency. Nevertheless, a process configuration based on the recirculation of tail gas without a reformer is recommended as a feasible solution to manage the transition from laboratory scale to industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]