An Integrated Framework for Modeling, Synthesis, Analysis, and Optimization of Coal Gasification-Based Energy and Chemical Processes

Abstract

A framework is proposed for integration of unit modeling, process synthesis, analysis, optimization, and process design of coal gasification-based energy and chemical processes. The conceptual models of these processes are built by the modeling and synthesis blocks in the framework, which are the bases of analysis and optimization. A number of analysis techniques are employed in the framework to fully understand the characteristics of the processes and their performances from technical, economic, and environmental points of view. Life cycle assessment and sustainability analysis are also included in the framework. According to these multilayer analyses, optimization is included in this framework to explore the best process or the best operational parameter set. Because of the systematic integration of the above techniques, the proposed framework could provide a comprehensive study for coal gasification-based processes. Three coal gasification-based processes are selected as the study cases in this Article. They are an integrated gasification combined cycle process, a methanol production, and a coproduction process combining the first two processes. The exergy efficiencies and economic investments of the three processes are analyzed and compared. The key parameters for material distribution in the coproduction process are optimized from the exergy efficiency and the investment points of view.