A Sustainable Green Ammonia Synthesis by Renewable Route: A Condensed Research with Design Aspects

The study aims to develop a process design and integration of a tri-generation system for simultaneous production of electricity using renewable resources, hydrogen (H2) and green ammonia (NH3). Ammonia being a vital raw material, is gaining recognition as a sustainable fuel, particularly for heavy transport and as a significant hydrogen energy carrier. The proposed integrated plant contains an alkaline water electrolysis system for hydrogen production, which is then consumed in the Haber-Bosch process for ammonia synthesis. The electricity required for electrolysis process is generated through renewable resources, specifically wind and solar energy. The energy is stored in form of molten salt through thermal energy storage technology. The process design includes detailed material and energy balances for water electrolysis and ammonia production units. Results obtained by rigorous design of equipment such a hydrogen and oxygen separators, heat exchanger, electrolyzer for hydrogen production and ammonia synthesis reactor highlight optimized operational and design parameters. The economic feasibility assessment of the process was made through cost estimation of key components, such as separators, heat exchanger, electrolyzer, compressor and tubular reactor. The findings obtained by this study highlight the potential of this tri-generation system in providing the sustainable solution for energy and climate change crisis, specifically in countries like Pakistan where renewable energy resources are present in abundance.