Gas Emission Constraints Research Articles

An integrated data-driven modeling and gas emission constraints for large-scale refinery production planning framework

The accuracy of secondary unit models including fluidized catalytic cracking, catalytic reforming and delayed coking is essential for the refinery production planning. Through the reaction kinetics, it is clear well that feedstock composition directly determines the product yield of units. Therefore, a hybrid modeling framework was developed in this work, where the feed true boiling point temperature, hydrocarbon group composition, and critical properties were introduced to characterize the lumped kinetic composition of the three secondary units. These indicators were further employed to predict unit product yield, which were embedded in the hybrid models developed using a data-driven approach. This study proposed a production planning framework that coupled data-driven approach and gas emission constraints to improve profitability and reduce emission. Three refinery production planning examples were taken for illustration. The optimal scheme obtained with the proposed hybrid model was compared with that from method based on the fixed yield production planning models. The results demonstrated that the production planning based on the hybrid yield model could achieve an improvement of the refinery profitability by 21.75% and 22.88%. The production planning coupled gas emission constraints optimization scheme achieved reduction in CO2, SO2 and NOx emissions by 16.59%, 16.67% and 16.67% respectively.

An energy dispatch optimization for hybrid power ship system based on improved genetic algorithm

Due to the energy crisis and environmental deterioration, the emerging hybrid energy ship power system gradually replaced the traditional ship power system to keep environmental friendliness by employing the clean energy. However, the increase of energy storage and photovoltaic generation system brings enormous challenge to the optimization scheduling of hybrid energy ship power system. For this reason, an improved genetic algorithm-based optimal scheduling strategy for the hybrid energy ship power system is developed in this paper. Firstly, a novel hybrid energy ship power system model including the diesel generator, energy storage system, propulsion system, dynamic load and photovoltaic power generation device is constructed under the constraint of energy efficiency and greenhouse gases emissions. Considering the various navigation situations that the ship may encounter, such as photovoltaic power generation limit in extreme weather and diesel generator power change in load shedding, the corresponding scheduling optimization problems for the hybrid energy ship power system are established. Under the cost and gas emission constraints, an improved genetic algorithm-based scheduling optimization algorithm is proposed. By introducing the nonlinear parameter change model in crossover and mutation operator, the performance of improved genetic algorithm can be enhanced, such as convergence speed and global optimization ability. Compared with current works, the proposed scheduling optimization strategy can achieve the lowest cost while reducing environmental impacts. Finally, simulation results under the given navigation cases demonstrate the superiority of the proposed improved genetic algorithm-based scheduling optimization strategy.

Optimal Use of Lignocellulosic Biomass for the Energy Transition, Including the Non-Energy Demand: The Case of the Belgian Energy System

Biomass is a key renewable resource for energy transition and climate change mitigation. It can be used for either energy purposes (production of heat, electricity, and fuel) or non-energy demand (e.g., chemicals). This raises the question of the optimal use of biomass in energy systems. In the literature, this optimal use is often determined for one specific situation in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and rarely considering the non-energy demand. The non-energy demand is defined as the demand for energy products used as raw materials. Given the expected simultaneous changes in all industrial sectors, it is important to include the non-energy demand in the models of energy systems as they will share common resources. This paper 1) studies the optimal use of lignocellulosic biomass within an energy system including the non-energy demand and 2) analyzes the evolution of its role throughout the energy transition. Belgium is taken as a case study as it presents a non-energy demand corresponding to ∼15% of its primary energy mix. The energy system is modeled with EnergyScope TD which optimizes whole-energy systems in terms of costs under greenhouse gas emission constraints. Local and imported biomass is considered with two potential scenarios. Fourteen biomass-converting technologies are included in the model. It is shown that high-temperature heat remains a significant application for biomass in all scenarios and increases when moving toward carbon neutrality. For greenhouse gas savings below 50%, biomass is largely used for low-temperature heat. However, when aiming at reducing greenhouse gas further (>50% reduction), biomass is substantially exploited for the non-energy demand. Electricity from biomass also appears, to a lesser extent, for large greenhouse gas savings only. The integration of the non-energy demand in the simulations impacts the allocation of biomass in the system, depending on the scenario of potential considered.

Modelling the dynamic interactions between London’s water and energy systems from an end-use perspective

Cities are concentrations of demand to water and energy systems that rely on resources under increasing pressure from scarcity and climate change mitigation targets. They are linked in many ways across their different components, the collection of which is termed a nexus. In industrialised countries, the residential end-use component of the urban water-energy nexus has been identified as significant. However, the effect of the end-use water and energy interdependence on urban dynamics had not been studied. In this work, a novel system dynamics model is developed with an explicit representation of the water-energy interactions at the residential end use and their influence on the demand for resources. The model includes an endogenous carbon tax based climate change mitigation policy which aims to meet carbon targets by reducing consumer demand through price. It also encompasses water resources planning with respect to system capacity and supply augmentation. Using London as a case study, we show that the inclusion of end-use interactions has a major impact on the projections of water sector requirements. In particular, future water demand per capita is lower, and less supply augmentation is needed than would be planned for without considering the interactions. We find that deep decarbonisation of electricity is necessary to maintain an acceptable quality of life while remaining within water and greenhouse gas emissions constraints. The model results show a clear need for consideration of the end-use level water-energy interactions in policy analysis. The modelling tool provides a base for this that can be adapted to the context of any industrialised country.

Pavement systems reconstruction and resurfacing policies for minimization of life‐cycle costs under greenhouse gas emissions constraints

Pavement management systems, designed to minimize total lifecycle costs, will need to evolve to meet the needs of the future. Environmental concerns are likely to add an additional consideration for the state DOTs when allocating their financial resources. Transportation agencies will be concerned with determining maintenance, resurfacing and reconstruction policies for pavement segments in their systems while also addressing the environmental impact of these activities.In this paper, we propose an efficient solution to solve for pavement resurfacing and reconstruction policies that minimize societal (agency and user) costs under a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions constraint. The main methodological contribution of this work relative to the state of the art is that we formulate the problem to include multi-dimensional pavement segment states and heterogeneous management activities. It allows for a more realistic representation of the majority of current pavements in the world. For example, the assumption that pavements are perpetual, i.e., do not need reconstruction during their lifetime, can be relaxed. A case study using California roads is performed; we find that, for that specific group of pavement segments, the optimal policies to minimize societal costs do not vary greatly from the policies that minimize GHG emissions. An agency can use these results to determine what GHG emission budgets are feasible for the highway system that it manages.

Design and simulation of a two- or four-stroke free-piston engine generator for range extender applications

Free-piston engines (FPEs) are known to have a greater thermal efficiency (40–50%) than an equivalent and more conventional four-stroke reciprocating engines (30–40%). Modern FPEs are proposed for the generation of electric and hydraulic power, with a potential application in hybrid electric vehicles. The numerous FPE configurations considered to date have almost exclusively operated using a two-stroke thermodynamic cycle to improve the thermal efficiency, however it is well known that the application of two-stoke cycles can be limited by noise and exhaust gas emissions constraints. In this article, a numerical model is used to investigate the techno-feasibility of operating Newcastle University’s FPE prototype using a two- or four-stroke thermodynamic cycle. If operated as a four-stroke cycle, the linear generator must be used as both a motor and a generator resulting in a more irregular piston motion compared to corresponding operating in a two-stroke cycle. In four-stroke cycles, almost half the indicated power is consumed in overcoming the pumping losses of the motoring process. Whilst the heat release process is appears to be closer to a constant volume process when operated on two-stroke engine cycle, the peak cylinder pressure and compression ratio proved lower. In addition, a narrower power range is reported for a four-stroke cycle despite a corresponding higher thermal efficiency.

Modeling the development and utilization of bioenergy and exploring the environmental economic benefits

This paper outlines a complete bioenergy flow incorporating bioresource procurement, feedstock supply, conversion technologies and energy consumption to industrialize the development and utilization of bioenergy. An input–output optimization simulation model is developed to introduce bioenergy industries into the regional socioeconomy and energy production and consumption system and dynamically explore the economic, energy and environmental benefits. 16-term simulation from 2010 to 2025 is performed in scenarios preset based on bioenergy industries, carbon tax-subsidization policy and distinct levels of greenhouse gas emission constraints. An empirical study is conducted to validate and apply the model. In the optimal scenario, both industrial development and energy supply and demand are optimized contributing to a 8.41% average gross regional product growth rate and a 39.9% reduction in accumulative greenhouse gas emission compared with the base scenario. By 2025 the consumption ratio of bioenergy in total primary energy could be increased from 0.5% to 8.2%. Energy self-sufficiency rate could be increased from 57.7% to 77.9%. A dynamic carbon tax rate and the extent to which bioenergy industrial development could be promoted are also elaborated. Regional economic development and greenhouse gas mitigation can be potentially promoted simultaneously by bioenergy utilization and a proper greenhouse gas emission constraint. The methodology presented is capable of introducing new industries or policies related to energy planning and detecting the best tradeoffs of economy–energy–environment.

Biomass gasification-based syngas production for a conventional oxo synthesis plant—greenhouse gas emission balances and economic evaluation

The long-term primary option for the chemical industry to reduce fossil feedstock dependence and greenhouse gas emissions is to switch to a renewable feedstock. This study investigates the global greenhouse gas emission balances and process economics of switching the natural gas-based syngas feedstock of a conventional oxo synthesis plant to a biomass-based feedstock. Two biomass gasification-based concepts are considered: (i) replacing the natural gas with biomass-derived synthetic natural gas; and (ii) replacing the syngas directly with biomass-derived syngas. The work is based on previously conducted work by the authors in which process modeling, integration opportunities, and the thermodynamic performance of the proposed biomass-based concepts were investigated. The assessment approach is to compare two different biomass-based process routes to the same end-product by switching the introduction point in the fossil-based process value chain. The different concepts are compared in terms of greenhouse gas emission reduction potential and change in production cost of oxo products compared with the conventional route. A system boundary expansion approach is applied to estimate the global greenhouse gas emission balances, thus eliminating the need to define the final use of the oxo product. Sensitivity analyses are conducted with respect to future material and energy prices, carbon dioxide emission charges, capital cost estimations, and reference grid electricity generation technologies. The direct biomass-based syngas route is shown to achieve promising environmental and economic performance levels. The results indicate that producing biomass-based syngas directly can be economically competitive with natural gas-based syngas for price projections based on current policies. However, for future policies associated with major greenhouse gas emission constraints, no direct economic incentive for switching to biomass-based syngas production is achieved. These results suggest that policy measures other than a carbon dioxide emission charge can be necessary to achieve a transition to renewables for the production of oxo products.

English

The industrial structure strategy in China has to change to adjust new requirements, because of the economic development, industrial evolution, the policy of energy saving and greenhouse gas emissions constraints. This paper aims to explaining the relationships between the industrial structure and carbon intensity, the regional differences between provinces in China based on recent economic data, including internal industry structure, carbon emissions, industrial carbon productivity in different industry in 2001-2010 in China. The case in this paper mainly focuses on Tianjin, China. In this case, industry influent coefficient and industry carbon emission influent coefficient are measured. Meanwhile, four different categories are divided by measurement values, such as Low-impact and High-Carbon Emission Industry Sectors, Low-impact and Low-Carbon Emission Industry Sectors, High-Impact High-Carbon Emission Industry Sectors, High-Impact Low-Carbon Emission Industry Sectors. The important industry sectors and its development strategy in Tianjin are proposed and the priori analysis to the macroeconomic influence by industrial structure adjustment is given later. The results of priori analysis showed that: the important industry and its development strategy can reduce the carbon emission combining with several policies. The proposed policies in last part of this paper include Industry Sectors Adoption Policy, Industry Layout Policy, Financial Policy, Environment Policy, technology Policy, Energy Efficiency Policy, and Industry Association Policy in the low-carbon development constraints.   Key words: Industry structure adjustment, optimized path, industrial influent index, Industrial carbon emission influent index, Tianjin

A Simulation Analysis of the Introduction of an Environmental Tax to Develop Biomass Power Technology in China

Despite rapid growth in the past few decades, biomass power development in China continues to face several barriers, such as a lack of supporting policies and core technologies. This study proposes the introduction of an environmental tax to promote biomass power technology development in China. We construct a dynamic input-output model to evaluate the effects and economic feasibility of an environmental tax, considering the interrelationships among China’s economy, energy and environment. The GDP is maximized as the objective function subject to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions constraints and a series of socio-economic constraints. The model uses 2007 as the base year and 2020 as the target year. The simulation results illustrate that a 10 Yuan/tCO2e carbon tax is sufficient to stimulate biomass technology development, in addition to economic development and GHG emissions mitigation. According to the simulation, the total biomass power generation from 2007 to 2020 with the environmental tax will be 2,334 TWh, the annual growth rate of GDP will be 9 percent and the GHG emissions intensity will be 0.15 kgCO2e/Yuan, a 46.5 percent reduction compared with 2005 GHG emission intensity levels. Electricity substitution and industrial structure adjustment are two key approaches to achieve the optimization of economic development and GHG emissions mitigation in the model. Furthermore, the introduction of an environmental tax is shown to be economically feasible by the cost-benefit analysis.

Future capacity growth of energy technologies: are scenarios consistent with historical evidence?

Future scenarios of the energy system under greenhouse gas emission constraints depict dramatic growth in a range of energy technologies. Technological growth dynamics observed historically provide a useful comparator for these future trajectories. We find that historical time series data reveal a consistent relationship between how much a technology’s cumulative installed capacity grows, and how long this growth takes. This relationship between extent (how much) and duration (for how long) is consistent across both energy supply and end-use technologies, and both established and emerging technologies. We then develop and test an approach for using this historical relationship to assess technological trajectories in future scenarios. Our approach for “learning from the past” contributes to the assessment and verification of integrated assessment and energy-economic models used to generate quantitative scenarios. Using data on power generation technologies from two such models, we also find a consistent extent - duration relationship across both technologies and scenarios. This relationship describes future low carbon technological growth in the power sector which appears to be conservative relative to what has been evidenced historically. Specifically, future extents of capacity growth are comparatively low given the lengthy time duration of that growth. We treat this finding with caution due to the low number of data points. Yet it remains counter-intuitive given the extremely rapid growth rates of certain low carbon technologies under stringent emission constraints. We explore possible reasons for the apparent scenario conservatism, and find parametric or structural conservatism in the underlying models to be one possible explanation.

A Tale of Two Provinces: Imposing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Constraints Through Law and Policy in Alberta and British Columbia

In Canada, there has been much discussion regarding the best approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These discussions have moved beyond theory in two provinces that approached the issue from two very different vantage points. Alberta and, more recently, British Columbia have introduced their own legislative responses to reducing emissions on a provincial level. This article provides an overview of the “tale” of two provinces grappling with some of the thorniest greenhouse gas regulatory issues, including the establishment of emission limits, developing frameworks to govern processes and practice for carbon trading, and developing mechanisms to address regulation and funding of carbon capture and sequestration projects. The article concludes with a review of some of the challenges created for the oil and gas sector by the differing visions incorporated in the legislative and policy responses of the two jurisdictions, and identifies key challenges to harmonization of these efforts across Canada.

The value of post-combustion carbon dioxide capture and storage technologies in a world with uncertain greenhouse gas emissions constraints

By analyzing how the largest CO 2 emitting electricity-generating region in the United States, the East Central Area Reliability Coordination Agreement (ECAR), responds to hypothetical constraints on greenhouse gas emissions, the authors demonstrate that there is an enduring role for post-combustion CO 2 capture technologies. The utilization of pulverized coal generation with carbon dioxide capture and storage (PC + CCS) technologies is particularly significant in a world where there is uncertainty about the future evolution of climate policy and in particular uncertainty about the rate at which the climate policy will become more stringent. The paper's analysis shows that within this one large, heavily coal-dominated electricity-generating region, as much as 20–40 GW of PC + CCS could be operating before the middle of this century. Depending upon the state of PC + CCS technology development and the evolution of future climate policy, the analysis shows that these CCS systems could be mated to either pre-existing PC units or PC units that are currently under construction, announced and planned units, as well as PC units that could continue to be built for a number of decades even in the face of a climate policy. In nearly all the cases analyzed here, these PC + CCS generation units are in addition to a much larger deployment of CCS-enabled coal-fueled integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plants. The analysis presented here shows that the combined deployment of PC + CCS and IGCC + CCS units within this one region of the U.S. could result in the potential capture and storage of between 3.2 and 4.9 Gt of CO 2 before the middle of this century in the region's deep geologic storage formations.

Waste gas emission control and constraints of energy and economy in China

This paper studies the characteristics of waste gas emission (WGE), energy consumption (EC) and economic development in China, and analyzes the reason for the change of waste gas intensity (WI) in order to provide necessary information for policy maker. Firstly, this paper describes the situation of WGE and the primary factors in China in general to describe the relationship among energy, economy and environmental at the national level. Then we detect the main sectors for WGE that have notable effectiveness for economic and EC through the comparison of the percentage of EC, value added (VA) and industrial WGE from combustion in 39 industrial sectors. Then with the calculation of energy intensity (EI), clean level (CL) and WI, this paper selects those crucial sectors for waste gas control and shows the efficiency of waste gas control in these sectors from 2001 to 2005. The result showed most waste gas came from heavy industrial sectors. However, heavy industrial sectors usually have lower CL than light industries. Moreover, within these sectors, some sectors, particularly Production and supply of electric power and heat power, showed the tendency of worsening efficiency for waste gas control from 2001 to 2005.

The climate change challenge and transitions for radical changes in the European steel industry

This paper presents ideas pertaining to transitions that are envisaged in the steel industry from Cleaner Production (CP) to Systems Innovation. Limits of the socio-technical system and the climate change challenge will induce changes in the production, distribution and consumption patterns of steel and other materials. Insights from industrial economics and evolutionary theory on innovation for sustainable development are needed to assess the rationale behind the adoption and diffusion of new breakthrough technologies named Ultra Low CO 2 Steel making (ULCOS). Evolution in material consumption patterns deserves a special research agenda which focuses upon the long term evolution of the consuming sectors as major changes in the infrastructure and products that support our many energy dependent services (mobility, shelter, heat, light, etc.) are expected. These changes will be significantly amplified by greenhouse gas emission constraints.

Emission trading and the role of learning-by-doing spillovers in the ''bottom-up'' energy-system ERIS model

In this paper, using the "bottom-up" energy-system optimisation ERIS model, we examine the effects of emission trading on technology deployment, emphasising the role of technology learning spillovers. That is, the possibility that the learning accumulated in a particular technology in a given region may spill to other regions as well, leading to cost reductions there also. The effects of different configurations of interregional spillovers of learning in ERIS and the impact of the emission trading mechanism under those different circumstances are analysed. Including spatial spillovers of learning allows capturing the possibility that the imposition of greenhouse gas emission constraints in a given region may induce technological change in other regions, such as developing countries, even if the latter regions do not face emission constraints. Our stylised results point out the potential benefits of sound international cooperation between industrialised and developing regions on research, development, demonstration and deployment (RD3) of clean energy technologies and on the implementation of emission trading schemes.