Performance study on an energy-efficient TSA air-purification process utilizing compression heat regeneration

Abstract

A novel compression heat regeneration TSA process is disclosed in this paper, which aims to reduce the regeneration energy consumption of the raw air purifier in the air separation process. Since air separation is an energy-intensive process accounting for a significant proportion (about 5 %) of China's total electricity consumption, this new process holds great significance in energy conservation. Distinguishing from traditional processes, the new one integrates components such as a compressor, a regenerator, and an expander to meet the regeneration heat requirements of the purifier with minimal electrical energy consumption. It also recovers the waste heat from the tail gas to enhance the expander’s power generation, thereby realizing efficient and comprehensive energy utilization. Mathematical models have been established for components such as the adsorber, compressor, and expander, and simulations have been conducted based on actual data from an industrial-grade purifier. Consequently, historical parameter curves and bed profiles at the inlet and outlet of the adsorber have been obtained, providing insights into the purification performance and regeneration effectiveness of the new process. Furthermore, the inlet and outlet parameters, as well as the power consumption of the compressor and expander, have been determined. The temperature bed profiles and temperature history curves at the inlet and outlet of the regenerator have also been obtained. Subsequently, a comparison has been made between the new and traditional processes regarding energy consumption, and an economic assessment of the new process has been conducted based on its energy-saving potential. The following conclusions have been drawn through comparative analysis: (1) Compared to the traditional process, the new process can save approximately 51.6 % of electrical energy; (2) The payback period for retrofitting the traditional process to the new one is approximately 1.93 years.