Optimal Economic Benefits Research Articles

Reliability–flexibility integrated optimal sizing of second‐life battery energy storage systems in distribution networks

AbstractSecond‐life batteries (SLBs), which are batteries retired from electric vehicles (EVs), can be used as energy storage systems to enhance the performance of distribution networks. Two issues should be addressed particularly for the optimal sizing of SLBs. Compared with fresh batteries, the failure rate of SLBs is relatively high, and timely and preventive replacement is needed. In addition, the flexibility introduced by EVs and installed SLBs should be coordinated to achieve optimal economic benefits. This paper focuses on the efficient utilization of SLBs by highlighting reliability‐flexibility concerns in optimal sizing. The model is formulated as a bi‐level model. On the upper‐level, considering the operational reliability constraints of SLBs, decisions regarding the investment and replacement of SLBs are optimized. Distribution network operations are improved on the lowerlevel, with an effective spatiotemporal flexible dispatch strategy for EVs. Finally, a linearized process for the optimal sizing of SLBs is presented and efficiently implemented. The Sioux Falls network and IEEE 69‐node distribution network are coupled as the test system. According to the simulation results, when the state of health of the SLBs decreased to 70%, the conditions were unreliable. The differences in the optimal SLB size and costs considering reliability and flexibility are highlighted.

Optimizing Solar Heating for Thangka Exhibition Halls: A Case Study in Malkang Cultural Village

With the continuous development of rural revitalization and urbanization in China, the sustainable transformation of traditional rural architecture has become increasingly important. This study takes the Thangka exhibition hall in rural Malkang, Sichuan Province, as the research object and proposes a Thangka exhibition hall architectural design centered around solar heating and aiming for near-zero energy consumption. The research method involves establishing a solar energy system model on the roof of the exhibition hall and utilizing solar angle and area calculation formulas along with simulation software to calculate the optimal installation angle and area of solar panels, with the aim of achieving indoor temperatures that meet Thangka protection requirements while achieving zero-energy heating. Preliminary results indicate that this solar-centric near-zero energy architectural design can effectively promote the increase in indoor temperature through solar thermal conversion. Additionally, through calculation and simulation, the optimal installation angle for the solar panels achieving zero-energy heating is determined to be 24.25 with an azimuth angle of −1.2. The optimum installation area for solar panels is 8.2 square meters in the showroom and 2.7 square meters in the storeroom. Among these, the solar panel area for the Thangka exhibition hall constitutes 4.12% of the total area and is required for maintaining Thangka protection temperature requirements throughout the year, while the solar panel area for the storage room constitutes 1.88% and is also needed for the same purpose. Studying the optimal installation angle and area of solar panels can transform the exhibition hall into a near-zero-energy building, meeting the temperature requirements for Thangka preservation and human thermal comfort, while also achieving optimal economic benefits. This provides guidance and a reference for promoting near-zero-energy buildings in rural areas.

Water, nitrogen, and phosphorus coupling improves gray jujube fruit quality and yield.

Irrigation and fertilization are indispensable links in the jujube planting industry in southern Xinjiang, China. Regulating the relationship between fertilization and irrigation can effectively reduce costs and improve economic efficiency. A 2-year water and fertilizer optimization coupling test was conducted to determine the optimal water and nutrient supply scheme. The three-factor randomized block experiment included water (W), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P). According to the principal component analysis of each index, each treatment's comprehensive score was obtained. Using yield and economic regression models, the theoretical value and yield value of the optimal economic benefit are inferred. When W, N, and P were applied together, the fruit quality and yield of each treatment significantly differed, and the vitamin C, soluble sugar, and sugar-acid ratio increased significantly with an increase in N fertilizer. However, the titratable acid decreased. An increase in irrigation and nitrogen application significantly increased fruit yield. The comprehensive score was the highest in the N4P3W2 treatment, which improved fruit quality, and the lowest in the N3P3W2 treatment. When the amounts of N, P, and W were 275.56 kg hm-2, 413. 66 kg hm-2, and 7278.19 m3 hm-2, respectively, the theoretical economic benefit was the best. The N4P3W2 treatment is the optimal treatment.

Comprehensive Analysis of Mechanical, Economic, and Environmental Characteristics of Hybrid PE/PP Fiber-Reinforced Engineered Geopolymer Composites

Engineered Geopolymer Composites (EGCs), known for their excellent tensile properties and lower carbon emissions, have gained widespread attention in the field of fiber-reinforced concrete. However, the high cost of high-performance synthetic fibers, a crucial component of EGCs, limits their practical engineering applications. In this study, by using low-cost PP fibers hybridized with PE fibers and adjusting the fly ash/ground granulated blast furnace slag (FA/GGBS) ratio, cost-effective, high-performing hybrid PE/PP-reinforced engineered geopolymer composites (H-EGCs) were developed. This study conducted axial compressive and tensile tests on H-EGCs with different FA/GGBS ratios (7:3, 6:4, and 5:5) and PP fiber replacement ratios (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%), investigated the influence of FA/GGBS and PP fiber replacement ratio on static mechanical behavior, and evaluated the economic and environmental benefits based on mechanical performance indicators. The result indicated that the compressive strength of H-EGCs can reach 120 MPa when the FA/GGBS ratio is 5:5; however, an increase in FA/GGBS and PP fiber replacement ratio leads to a loss in compressive strength and elastic modulus. The incorporation of PP fibers in moderate amounts enhances ultimate tensile strain by reducing crack control ability, and the maximum tensile deformation capacity (7.82–9.66%) was obtained for H-EGCs with a PP fiber replacement ratio of 50%. The optimal economic and environmental benefits of H-EGCs are observed when the FA/GGBS ratio is 5:5 and the PP fiber replacement ratio is set at 50%.

Unveiling the Impact of Project Governance on Performance of Public Sector Development Projects in Sri Lanka

The governance of public sector development projects has become an increasingly complex theme in the diverse nature of managing stakeholders, structuring project formation and development, planning, monitoring, and surveillance, and their expectations. Thus, stakeholders’ interests should be addressed by the governments. The main objective of this research is to investigate project governance and its basics, for the application in the Sri Lankan public sector development projects to increase project performance in terms of public sector growth and sustainability. Funding agencies, policymakers, government regulators, and other associated partners attempt to support smooth project execution and accomplish the desired project outputs and outcomes by emphasizing the importance of project governance.The study conducts a literature review on project governance to bridge a knowledgegap in investigating the function of project governance and the efficiency of the Sri Lankan public sector development projects. It employs a qualitative research approach and reviews the related literature including scholarly journal articles. The findings indicate that project governance must be practiced achieving project objectives related to optimal economic and social benefits for the country's accelerative development plan and from the standpoint of the government, project governance and performance serve as cornerstones of a development plan. Finally, this study comprehensively examines the roles and practical implementation of project governance within Sri Lankan projects, providing invaluable insights and recommendations for enhancing project performance, fostering growth, and ensuring sustainability within the public sector. Keywords: Development Projects, Performance, Project Governance, Public Sector, Sri Lanka

A New Thermal Management Strategy of IGBT in DFIG for Economic Benefit Maximization

Wind speed fluctuation generally shortens the lifetime of the insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) module in the doubly fed induction generator (DFIG), which leads to frequent component replacement and cost increase of wind power generation. Conventional power control strategies consider solely the wind turbine output power maximization, and existing junction temperature thermal management strategies focus on IGBT lifetime extension, both of which are not effective under turbulent wind speed conditions and ignore the trade-off between the device reliability and output power for the overall DFIG economic benefit. To bridge the gap between the IGBT reliability and the output power under turbulent wind speed conditions, we propose a novel IGBT thermal management strategy for optimal economic benefit. Specifically, we first smooth the output power through a linear power control (LPC) method with conditions on the wind speed and turbine speed to reduce the IGBT low-frequency junction temperature fluctuation, which extends IGBT lifetime. We then propose a grid encirclement and suppression search (GESS) method that maximizes the economic benefit defined by LPC-smoothed output power and IGBT lifetime. Simulation shows that our proposed LPC-GESS strategy outperforms a competing strategy at economic benefit by a large margin, up to 15.3%. Our proposed strategy can potentially be used in wind power stations for fast and reliable economic benefit-oriented IGBT thermal management.

Agent-based modeling for an end-of-life power battery cross-regional recycling system and subregional policy analysis: A case study in China

Informal recycling of end-of-life electric vehicle batteries has caused severe environmental pollution and tax losses. Linear models and static strategies have difficulty capturing complex relationships and regional heterogeneity. Therefore, we aim to suggest an optimal subregional joint policy under fiscal constraints. This study uses agent-based modeling with geographic information systems to construct a cross-regional recycling system model that assesses the economic and environmental effects of policies. Based on actual data, the model considers four subsystems, multiple region types, two battery types, and six stakeholders. The results show that: (1) The optimal subregional joint policy can increase the average formal recycling rate from 28.44 % to 48.58 % and achieve an emission reduction rate of 19.81 %; (2) In underdeveloped regions, allocating 70–80 % of fiscal funds to supervision can achieve optimal economic and environmental benefits; and (3) For the local governments with few formal sectors, investing in a unit subsidy exceeding $1.4/kWh will diminish economic efficiency. Provincial governments in economically developed areas with formal business clusters should provide higher subsidies, while other regions should allocate more fiscal expenditure for supervision. This cross-regional recycling system model can improve solid waste management in countries with large areas and decentralized facilities.

Joint Peak Shaving Mechanism of Pipeline Gas Storage: Case Study of West-East Gas Pipeline

Demand imbalance owing to gas supply is considered in the context of a surge in natural gas demand. Currently, a single method of storing gas at the end of a pipeline is commonly used to alleviate the peak shaving pressure. This method is economical, convenient, and able to respond quickly to fluctuations in user gas demand. However, because of its limited gas storage capacity, gas storage for peak shaving is still considered when the demand for peak shaving is high. With the increasing demand for natural gas inclined towards residential life, it is difficult to achieve a relative balance between the supply and demand of natural gas solely by relying on traditional pipeline-end storage and peak shaving. Based on this, a “pipeline gas storage integration” peak-shaving model is constructed. Furthermore, the model is combined with real-time analysis of the required peak-shaving amount of the pipeline to achieve synergistic effects of multiple peak-shaving methods. The established model is used to study the collaborative peak-shaving mechanism between pipelines and gas storage facilities under different supply and demand conditions. In addition, a quantitative relationship between the optimal economic benefits and different peak-shaving methods is constructed using the model. A peak-shaving mechanism of gas transmission considering different uniformity coefficients is also studied. Considering the case of the Jiangsu section of the West-East Gas Pipeline for simulation analysis, we reasonably plan the capacity and layout of gas storage facilities, optimize the peak shaving capacity of pipelines and gas storage facilities, and provide specific measures and guidance for actual engineering. Furthermore, we improve the efficiency and flexibility of the natural gas supply chain and achieve maximum economic benefits.

The urgency of intellectual property rights in the digital era from the perspective of Sharia economic law in Indonesia

Intellectual Property Rights, or IPR, are essential for economic development and innovation, especially in the current digital era. However, certain aspects need to be considered in the context of Islamic financial law to ensure that IPR is applied relatively and by legal principles, especially law of Islam. This article analyzes the perspective of Islamic economic law regarding IPR in the current digital era, including its protection, use, and utilization. This study is a normative juridical study using a statute approach, which begins by investigating existing laws and regulations both in the positive legal framework and in the Islamic legal framework, which is based on the Koran, Hadith, and fatwas of the Ulama. Based on the study, it was found that even though IPR is not stated explicitly in the sharia, it refers to its essence, which is equated with property (mal), based on the norms, values, and principles contained in Islamic law, especially the mashed asy sharia theory, protection of IPR is very basic and integrated into the belief held by Muslims that Islam, which consists of monotheism, sharia, and morals, is an inseparable unity and illegal use of IPR is an injustice. The urgency of this study lies in the importance of IPR protection to encourage innovation and creativity in various fields, as well as the importance of considering Sharia principles in the use of IPR to provide optimal economic benefits for rights owners and society.

Multi-objective decision-making for green infrastructure planning: Impacts of rainfall characteristics and infrastructure configuration

Rapid urbanization has caused significant water-related problems in urban areas, including flooding and pollution. Green infrastructure has emerged as an effective solution within the realm of nature-based approaches to address these problems. However, there is a need for multi-objective decision-making in green infrastructure planning to strike a balance among various benefits, including those related to the anthroposphere and hydrosphere. Unfortunately, the impacts of rainfall characteristics and infrastructure configuration on multi-objective optimization outcomes are not well understood. To bridge this knowledge gap, a multi-objective optimization tool was developed in this study considering area, location, and hydrological linkages across green infrastructures. This tool combines the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) and the Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm 2. The proposed tool was implemented in a district-scale research region characterized by seven different rainfall patterns and four return periods. The results show that the proposed tool, integrated with the calibrated and validated SWMM, can provide rational configuration solutions for the target region. Rainfall characteristics significantly affect the cost-efficiency curve and layout of the green infrastructure, given their diverse nature. Solutions optimized by this approach yield optimal economic and environmental benefits. Notably, solutions incorporating hydrological linkages exhibit reduction rates approximately twice as high as those without such linkages. These findings may provide a workable theoretical basis for nature-based solutions and valuable guidance for urban water management.

Soil Moisture, Nutrients, and Plant Growths under Various Irrigation and Fertilization Regimes during the Crop Replacement Period in an Alley Intercropping System on the Loess Plateau of China

The uneven rainfall distribution, limited soil nutrients, and continuous cropping effect in the Loess Plateau restrict the sustainable development of fruit tree/crop (soybean and maize) intercropping systems. A two-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different water and fertilizer regimes on the soil nutrients and growth of intercropping systems during the crop replacement period. The experiment involved three irrigation levels (0% (I0), 50% (I1), and 80% (I2) of field capacity), two irrigation methods (drip irrigation (DI) and flood irrigation (FI)), and three fertilizer application rates (0 (F0), 375 (F1), and 750 (F2) kg/hm2). The results showed that in 2020 and 2021, the soil water contents increased with increasing irrigation and fertilization. The soil ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, and soil organic matter contents in 2021 were 21.0%–68.4% higher than those in 2020. Increasing the fertilizer application rate improved the photosynthesis rate and transpiration rate of apples and maize in 2020 but had a reverse U-shape effect on soybeans in 2021. Irrigation and fertilization increased soybean and maize yields by 2.9%–30.5% compared with the I0F0 treatment. The maize root indicators generally showed an increasing trend followed by a decreasing trend with increasing fertilizer application in 2020, while soybean exhibited an opposite pattern in 2021. The FI1F1 and DI2F2 treatments yielded the optimal economic benefit in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Therefore, from an economic standpoint, FI and DI would have been recommended in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Factor analysis suggested that the DI2F2 treatments had the highest comprehensive benefits over the two years studied. Therefore, we recommend using DI combined with 80% field capacity irrigation and 750 kg/hm2 fertilization to maximize the comprehensive benefits of intercropping systems during the crop replacement period.

Hybrid CHGSO Approach-Based EV Energy Regulation by Considering Incentive-Based Prosumer and Uncertainty

This paper proposes the hybrid approach for increasing the profit of prosumers and reducing the energy cost of the residents. The hybrid method is the combination of chaotic maps and the Henry gas solubility optimization algorithm (HGSO), hence it is called chaotic Henry gas solubility optimization (CHGSO). The proposed approach is the community-based microgrid that incorporates energy storage systems (ESS), electric vehicles (EVs) and photovoltaics (PV). Both ESS and EV are conserved as alternative sources of energy. The stored EV energy is used as a power source for homes and the grid by utilizing the Grid-to-Vehicle (G2V) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) modes. The power flow of EV/ESS is controlled depending on the rate of charging and discharging. Here, the battery degradation cost is considered. The proposed approach solves the optimization problems, like battery degradation of EV/ESS, regulation of charge/discharge and provides optimal economic benefits. The proposed approach increases the prosumer profit through encouraging EV energy transactions through incentive-based pricing. Finally, the CHGSO method is performed in MATLAB and is compared with existing methods. From the simulation analysis, it can be concluded that the cost of CHGSO method is less and the prosumer participation has increased.

Single-Time Mechanical Deep Placement Fertilization Using Bulk Blending Fertilizer on Machine-Transplanted Rice: Balanced Yield, Nitrogen Utilization Efficiency, and Economic Benefits

Despite growing interest in controlled-release N fertilizers (CRNFs) because of their potential for enhancing nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and economic returns, their comprehensive impact on machine-transplanted rice remains to be understudied. To address this gap, here, we present a two-year field experiment that assessed the impact of CRNF using mechanical deep placement fertilization (DPF) on rice cultivation. The study involved three CRNF types (bulk blending fertilizer (BBF), polymer-coated urea (PCU), and sulfur-coated urea (SCU)) and two fertilization methods (DPF and broadcast application), with a high-yield split fertilization of urea as a control (CK). The results showed that DPF, especially with SCU, greatly enhanced soil NH4+-N concentrations, NUE, rice yield, and economic benefits compared to broadcast application. BBF consistently exhibited superior NUE and notable economic benefits, regardless of the application method used. Conversely, single-time application of PCU was less favorable for rice growth. In conclusion, for optimal economic benefits and NUE, DPF combined with single-time application of SCU is recommended. However, if deep application is not feasible and only broadcasting is possible in rice cultivation, BBF emerges as the ideal choice for both high NUE and significant economic returns. This research offers insights for improved nitrogen management in machine-transplanted rice, effectively optimizing yield, NUE, and profitability.

Environment and agricultural practices regulate enhanced biochar-induced soil carbon pools and crop yield: A meta-analysis

Using biochar in agriculture to enhance soil carbon storage and productivity has been recognized as an effective means of carbon sequestration. However, the effects on crop yield and soil carbon and nitrogen can vary depending on environmental conditions, field management, and biochar conditions. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to identify the factors contributing to these inconsistencies. We found that biochar application significantly increased soil organic carbon (SOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), easily oxidized carbon (EOC), particulate organic carbon (POC), total nitrogen (TN), and the C:N ratio in topsoil (0–20 cm) and crop yields. Biochar was most effective in tropical regions, increasing SOC, Soil TN, and crop yield the most, with relatively moderate pyrolysis temperatures (550–650 °C) more conducive to SOC accumulation and relatively low pyrolysis temperatures (<350 °C) more conducive to increasing soil carbon components and crop yields. Biochar made from manure effectively increased soil carbon components and TN. Soil with low fertility (original SOC < 5 g kg−1; original TN < 0.6 g kg−1), coarse texture, and acidity (pH < 5.5) showed more effective results. However, biochar application rates should not be too high and should be combined with appropriate nitrogen fertilizer. And biochar application had long-term positive effects on soil carbon storage and crop yield. Overall, we recommend using small amounts of biochar with lower pyrolysis temperatures in soils with low fertility, coarse texture, and tropical regions for optimal economic and environmental benefits.

Flexural performance of novel ECC-RC composite sandwich panels

To address the shortcomings of precast concrete sandwich panels (PCSPs) such as insufficient load-bearing capacity, poor ductility behavior, and susceptibility to cracking under temperature stress, this study reinforced the face layer of PCSP with engineered cementitious composite (ECC), resulting in the development of novel ECC-RC composite sandwich panels (ECSPs). The flexural performance of ECSP was revealed by way of a four-point bending test and finite element analysis. Test results showed that incorporating ECC into the wythes substantially improved the flexural performance of PCSP, and the maximum crack width of ECSP was well below the corresponding limit requirement when the mid-span deformation reached the serviceability limit state of the panel. ECSP presented a long load-hardening phase owing to the excellent tensile toughness of ECC, and the properties of the reinforcement could be fully utilized in ECSP without causing “over reinforced” damage as seen in PCSP. Finite element analysis demonstrated that the initial cracks of ECSP did not occur at the tensile edge of the panel, indicating excellent durability of ECSP. Based on the test results and finite element analysis, a formula for the flexural carrying capacity of ECSP was proposed, and the corresponding calculation model demonstrated better applicability. It is recommended to use 20 mm thick ECC to reinforce the face layer of ECSP for optimal economic benefits in practical engineering, while paying attention to the interface problem between ECC and concrete.

Optimal dispatch of isolated island micro-grid based on W-K-PSO algorithm

Aiming at the micro-grid system with wind turbines, photovoltaics, micro gas engines, fuel cells, energy storage batteries, and loads, taking the optimal economic and environmental benefits as the objective function and considering the output constraints and climbing power constraints of each distributed power supply, battery charging and discharging protection and power balance constraints in micro-grid, the output models of each distributed power supply are established. On this basis, particle swarm optimization with improved inertia weight and contraction divisor is used to solve the objective function. Combined with the time-division scheduling strategy, the simulation analysis is carried out on the MATLAB2021a platform. The results show that the time-division scheduling strategy can reduce the total cost more effectively, which verifies the rationality and feasibility of this method.

Receding Horizon Optimization of Ethylene Cracking Operation and Scheduling under Supply Chain Fluctuations

The global supply chain is experiencing ongoing turmoil after COVID-19, which inevitably affects the supply and demand of the chemical industry. Ethylene plants are regarded as one of the most profitable chemical industry chains, and thus, there is a need to track fluctuations in the supply chain and responsively adjust their operations and scheduling decisions to achieve optimal economic benefits. However, previous studies about ethylene cracking optimization are mostly limited to fixed supply chain parameters and cannot meet the need for real-time updates according to supply chain fluctuations. To address this problem, we propose an ethylene cracking optimization framework which combines parameter prediction and receding horizon optimization (predictive RHO) for real-time optimal operation and scheduling under supply chain fluctuations. This optimization framework uses historical supply chain data (supply quantities, feedstock prices, and product prices) to predict future parameters and uses the predicted parameters to optimize the operation and scheduling of ethylene cracking furnace systems in a receding horizon way. Two industrial case studies were used to validate the efficacy of the proposed optimization framework. In case 1, the predictive-RHO framework achieved comparable economic profits of 147,370 and 146,483 $/day without violating daily inventory constraints (vs 151,204 $/day from the original model violating inventory constraints) and a faster calculation speed of 40 s (vs 32 min) under two fluctuating feed supply modes. In case 2, predictive RHO improves economic profits by 1.8% through integrating operations with scheduling and 1.1% by tracking the feed and product price fluctuations. These two cases show the strong capability of predictive RHO in tracking supply chain fluctuations and improving the inventory management level as well as the economic profits of ethylene cracking plants.

Exergoeconomic evaluation of novel solid oxide fuel cell-integrated solar combined cycle with different solar integration modes

The active use of fuel cells and solar energy in power generation systems can help reduce fossil energy consumption and improve the work capacity of the system, which is an important means to achieve the goal of “carbon neutrality”. In this study, novel solid oxide fuel cell-integrated solar combined cycle systems with different solar integration modes are proposed and investigated. The thermodynamic, environmental and economic performances of new systems with different solar collector integration modes are evaluated using the exergoeconomic theory and environmental performance analysis. The results show that when the new system uses trough solar collectors to replace part of the heating load of the second-stage high-pressure economizer and high-pressure boiler drum, the system has the highest exergy efficiency (52.91%), the lowest unit exergoeconomic cost (0.102109 $/kWh) and the lowest specific CO2 emission rate (475.27 g/kWh). When the operating conditions of the system remain unchanged, this solar energy integration mode has the highest solar-to-electricity efficiency (26.69%) as well as thermal-to-electricity efficiency (44.22%), and can obtain the best profit in the same operating life. The new system can attain maximum energy efficiency and optimal economic benefits by using this solar energy integration mode.

Municipal solid waste management and energy production: A multi-objective optimization approach to incineration and biogas waste-to-energy supply chain

Nowadays, the management of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) regarding its harmful impacts, such as acid compounds, carbon dioxide, and sludge waste, on the environment has become prominent. This paper introduces a supply chain model using simultaneously-two power station types, including biogas and incineration, one separation center, and one waste collection center over some districts of one urban region. MSW is collected throughout the town via transportation programming, transferred to the center of collection/separation, and further separated regarding low and high humidity, in which dry waste is assigned to the incineration center and the wet waste to the biogas one. Finally, the waste is converted to electricity and sold to the market. A case study from 11 districts located in Tehran, Iran used to obtain the optimal economic and environmental benefits. Large instance cases could be obtained via a hybrid method (GAs + Gams). A sensitivity analysis is done to minimize the harmful environmental impacts and maximize the economic benefits. Results indicate that the destructive effects of the acid compounds are considerably higher than both the carbon dioxide and the waste sludge. Moreover, practical costs in both power stations have insensitive impacts on the economic objective of the supply chain.

Study on a novel reactive internally heat integrated distillation process for the synthesis of ethyl acetate and its column configuration

The production of ethyl acetate (EA) by reactive distillation (RD) has the disadvantage of high energy consumption. In order to solve this problem, the application of reactive internal heat integrated distillation was explored on the basis of RD process, and energy saving was further realized. The influence of different configurations of reactive internally heat integrated distillation column (RHIDiC) on the process were also studied. In this study, the symmetrical reaction internal heat integrated distillation column (S-RHIDiC), the upper aligned reaction internal heat integrated distillation column (UA-RHIDiC) and the lower aligned reaction internal heat integrated distillation column (LA-RHIDiC) were compared with RD in economic benefits, environmental protection, energy saving performance, and thermodynamic efficiency. In addition, all processes were optimized with TAC as the economic indicator. The results showed that S-RHIDiC process has the optimal economic benefits, environmental performance, energy consumption and thermodynamic efficiency. Compared with RD, the total annual cost (TAC) of S-RHIDiC was reduced by 32.56%, CO2 emissions were reduced by 52.79%, the TEC was reduced by 29.37%. The thermodynamic efficiency of RD, S-RHIDiC, UA-RHIDiC and LA-RHIDiC processes were 6.71%, 9.12%, 6.75% and 6.8%, respectively.