Hybrid Optimization Methodology (Exergy/Pinch) and Application on a Simple Process

Bou Malham Bou Malham,Schuhler Schuhler,Zoughaib Zoughaib,Tinoco Tinoco

doi:10.3390/en12173324

Bou Malham Bou Malham, Schuhler Schuhler + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/en12173324

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Abstract

In the light of the alarming impending energy scene, energy efficiency and exergy efficiency are unmistakably gathering momentum. Among efficient process design methodologies, literature suggests pinch analysis and exergy analysis as two powerful thermodynamic methods, each showing certain drawbacks, however. In this perspective, this article puts forward a methodology that couples pinch and exergy analysis in a way to surpass their individual limitations in the aim of generating optimal operating conditions and topology for industrial processes. Using new optimizing exergy‐based criteria, exergy analysis is used not only to assess the exergy but also to guide the potential improvements in industrial processes structure and operating conditions. And while pinch analysis considers only heat integration to satisfy existent needs, the proposed methodology allows including other forms of recoverable exergy and explores new synergy pathways through conversion systems. A simple case study is proposed to demonstrate the applicability and efficiency of the proposed method.

Highlights

Until the 19th century, mankind depended on biomass
Combining all of them allowed reducing by 20% the total exergy destructions of the process conjointly to reducing the hot minimal energy required (HMER) by 11% and the cold minimalenergy energyrequired required (CMER) by 88% through intelligent use of the process’ sources
The proposed methodological framework between the exergy destruction (ED) and the minimum energy requirements (MER) functions and between the local and global distinguished between an operating conditions optimization module and a structural optimization variation

Summary

Introduction

Until the 19th century, mankind depended on biomass. after the industrial revolution, manual labor and organic sources were replaced by mechanization and fossil fuels which led to advancing the living standards of humans. In the light of the current greenhouse gas GHG emission scene, the earths’ warming level is evaluated at 1.2 degrees which is more than halfway to the 2 degrees global warming limit set by the United Nations [6]. In this context, if no fundamental actions are implemented by 2050, the world economy expansion projects a 50% increase in GHG emissions leading to a global average temperature raise of 3 to 6 degrees by the end of the century [7]

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