Steady state process simulations of a novel containerized power to ammonia concept

A simple novel small-scale time flexible containerized power to ammonia concept, employing conventional technology only, which is going to be realized in 2023 in Italy, is being investigated. The design focuses on investment cost minimization and time-flexibility, presenting a middle way between large-scale conventional ammonia plants and more sophisticated small-scale power to ammonia designs. Reducing the investment cost of the cycle components shall be achieved by a simple cycle design and by operating at lower pressures and temperatures. Time-flexibility, desired for the concept to act as chemical energy storage for the fluctuating renewables, is achieved by the novel cycle design, mainly by electrical start-up heaters. Process simulation results regarding the optimum sizing of the reactor, reactor temperature profile, and inlet ratio for hydrogen to nitrogen are presented. Due to the simple design, the resulting energetic degree of efficiency is, as expected, lower than the values in the literature.