Multiscale whole-systems design and analysis of CO2 capture and transport networks

Abstract

Abstract In this contribution, we present an integrated whole-systems approach to the design and analysis of CO 2 capture, transport and storage networks. This approach is multiscale in nature, and comprises a number of scale-specific models spanning from the molecular to the process and finally to the network scale. This approach builds upon the multiscale modelling concept. This is an emerging theme in Process Systems Engineering wherein a series of inter-dependent scale-specific models are used to describe phenomena occurring across a range of spatial and temporal scales. At the smallest scale, detailed molecular models of the solvents used to capture CO 2 are developed using the SAFT-VR 1 , and these models are used to describe the thermophysical properties and phase behaviour of the complex fluids which are typically used for CO 2 capture 2,3 . The molecular models are integrated with a rate-based model of an amine-based CO 2 capture process 4 , which is implemented in the gPROMS modelling environment. These models are used to determine the cost-optimal degree of capture (DOC) for a given CO 2 emission source. Then, the outputs of the process models are in turn used as inputs to a spatially and temporally explicit MILP model of the network model which is implemented in the GAMS modelling environment. This model is then used to determine how much CO 2 should be removed from a given source in order to achieve a pre-specified reduction in CO 2 emissions for a given geographical area. This approach then allows us to comment on the economic feasibility of achieving these aims and provides us with a mechanism for providing high-level direction on CO 2 emission reduction targets.