The economics of heat pump assisted distillation systems—I. A design and economic model

Abstract

Several factors may be expected to influence the overall economics of heat pump assisted distillation systems. Some of these are design and operational, while others are purely economic factors. Economic analyses of such systems so far reported in the literature have not adequately investigated the importance of these factors. A design and economic model is presented in this paper which can be used for a preliminary economic analysis of heat pump assisted distillation systems. Two important points of consideration in the design, notably, the problem of matching the heat loads between the heat pump and the distillation sections, and the selection of the heat pump working fluid, are discussed. The major design equations used in the model are presented. A design algorithm as well as a flowchart for the computer programme of the model are given.