Including CFD rigorous models in the optimal design of carbon capture plants through trust-region methods

Abstract

Efficient technology alternatives are required to fulfill the environmental goals of reducing CO2 emissions at short and medium term. In this context, carbon capture using hollow fiber membrane contactors is an interesting alternative due to its operational flexibility, modularity, and high interfacial area. To elucidate the true potential of this technology, cutting-edge modeling and optimization techniques must be applied to improve key process performance indicators. In the present study, we develop a CFD rigorous model for a MEA-based absorber using membrane contactors. This model is included as an external function in the formulation of an optimization problem through the trust-region filter method, to minimize the CO2 avoided cost of the capture plant. As results, we obtain an optimal design with a CO2 avoided cost of 54.16 $/t-CO2 and a specific energy demand of 3.52GJ/t–CO2.