Synthesis, design and analysis of energy efficient sustainable process alternatives

Abstract

Abstract This paper gives a brief review of the available energy sources for consumption, their effects in terms of CO2-emission and its management, and sustainable chemical processing where energy-consumption, CO2-emission, as well as economics and environmental impacts are considered. Analysis of the data indicate that not all available energy sources are being utilized efficiently, while, the energy sources causing the largest emissions of CO2 are being used in the largest amount. Sustainable alternatives are defined as those where the energy consumption – CO2 emission are addressed such that the net CO2 emission is significantly reduced while still satisfying the energy demand. Different schemes for generating these sustainable alternatives are highlighted in this paper. These examples highlight issues of energy related to CO2 neutral design; sustainable conversion; retrofit design, and process intensification.