Abstract: The integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) is an electrical power generation system which offers efficient generation from coal with lower effect on the environment than conventional coal power plants. However, further improvement of its efficiency and thereby lowering emissions are important tasks to achieve a more sustainable energy production. In this paper, a process simulation tool is proposed for simulation of IGCC. This tool is used to improve IGCC's efficiency and the environmental performance through an analysis of the operating conditions, together with process integration studies. Pinch analysis principles and process integration insights are then employed to make topological changes to the flowsheet to improve the energy efficiency and minimize the operation costs. Process data of the Texaco gasifier and the associated plants (coal preparation, air separation unit, gas cleaning, sulfur recovery, gas turbine, steam turbine and the heat recovery steam generator) are considered as a base case, and simulated using Aspen Plus®. The results of parameter analysis and heat integration studies indicate that thermal efficiency of 45% can be reached, while a significant decrease in CO2 and SOx emissions is observed. The CO2 and SOx emission levels reached are 698 kg/MWh and 0.15 kg/MWh, respectively. Application of pinch analysis determines energy targets, and also identifies potential modifications for further improvement to overall energy efficiency. Benefits of energy integration and steam production possibilities can further be quantified. Overall benefits can be translated to minimum operation costs and atmospheric emissions.

Abstract: Many of the strategies devised so far to address the optimization of energy systems are deterministic approaches that rely on estimated data. However, in real world applications there are many sources of uncertainty that introduce variability into the decision-making problem. Within this general context, we propose a novel approach to address the design of absorption cooling systems under uncertainty in the energy cost. As opposed to other approaches that optimize the expected performance of the system as a single objective, in our method the design task is formulated as a stochastic bi-criteria non-linear optimization problem that simultaneously accounts for the minimization of the expected total cost and the financial risk associated with the investment. The latter criterion is measured by the downside risk, which avoids the need to define binary variables thus improving the computational performance of the model. The capabilities of the proposed modeling framework and solution strategy are illustrated in a case study problem that addresses the design of a typical absorption cooling system. Numerical results demonstrate that the method presented allows to manage the risk level effectively by varying the area of the heat exchangers of the absorption cycle. Specifically, our strategy allows identifying the optimal values of the operating and design variables of the cycle that make it less sensitive to fluctuations in the energy price, thus improving its robustness in the face of uncertainty.

Abstract: First and second law analysis have been conducted for three low temperature driven ammonia-water absorption cooling cycles with increasing internal heat recovery. Based on the results of exergy analysis the structural analysis has been achieved. The obtained Coefficients of Structural Bonds (CSB) consider how the irreversibility of the whole cycle is affected by a change in the irreversibility related to an efficiency improvement of a single component. Trends for the different configurations are similar, while quantitative differences among the main heat exchangers are considerable. The highest values of the CSB are found for the refrigerant heat exchanger. Also the evaporator, the condenser, the generator and the absorber show values higher than unity. The lowest CSB’s are obtained in the solution heat exchanger. In general, CSB’s decrease with increasing efficiency. That means that for very efficient heat exchangers, a further improvement looks less attractive. The dephlegmator is an exception as it shows a singularity of the CSB value due to its complex interactions with the other components. Once the CSB’s are obtained for the main components, they can be used in the structural method of the thermoeconomic optimisation. This method enables us to find the optimum design of a component in a straightforward calculation.

Abstract: In this paper, a systematic method based on mathematical programming is proposed for the design of environmentally conscious absorption cooling systems. The approach presented relies on the development of a multi-objective formulation that simultaneously accounts for the minimization of cost and environmental impact at the design stage. The latter criterion is measured by the Eco-indicator 99 methodology, which follows the principles of life cycle assessment (LCA). The design task is formulated as a bi-criteria nonlinear programming (NLP) problem, the solution of which is defined by a set of Pareto points that represent the optimal trade-off between the economic and environmental concerns considered in the analysis. These Pareto solutions can be obtained via standard techniques for multi-objective optimization. The main advantage of this approach is that it offers a set of alternative options for system design rather than a single solution. From these alternatives, the decision-maker can choose the best one according to his/her preferences and the applicable legislation. The capabilities of the proposed method are illustrated in a case study problem that addresses the design of a typical absorption cooling system.

Abstract: Integrated Energy Systems (IES) combine a distributed power generation system (DG) such as a microturbine generator (MTG) or a fuel cell with thermally activated technologies (TAT) such as absorption cooling. This integration maximizes the efficiency of energy use by utilizing on-site most of the waste heat generated by DG, and reduces harmful emissions to the environment. This study investigates the energy and exergy performance of an IES. This system is comprised of an MTG with internal recuperator and a novel absorption cooling cycle. The absorption cycle is a single-double effect exhaust fired cycle, which recuperates the heat exchanged from the MTG exhaust gases using two generators at two different levels of temperature. The selection of the DG element, the TAT element and their internal configurations is based upon a real IES commercial unit that has been tested in the APEP-UCI DG testing facilities in Irvine, California. This unit has an electrical power capacity of 28 kW and a cooling capacity of 14 refrigeration tons (49.2 kW). Inputs for the thermodynamic models developed for the MTG and for the absorption cycle are derived from experimental variables that will be controlled in the testing phase. The MTG model is using empirical correlations for key model parameters (pressure ratio, turbine inlet temperature, etc.) from previous studies in order to predict the observed change in performance with part load operation. The calculated mass flow rate and temperature of the exhaust gases are inputs for the absorption cycle model, together with cooling and chilled water inlet temperatures and flow rates. Heat and mass transfer efficiencies along with heat transfer coefficients for the suite of heat exchangers comprising the single-double effect absorption cycle are determined from proprietary testing data provided by the manufacturers.

Abstract: Absorption cycles are an alternative to compression cycles in cooling and refrigeration applications. Our analysis of an absorption cycle is based on the exergy and the structural analysis. Once the exergy analysis has been achieved, the coefficients of structural bonds (CSBs) of the main heat and mass exchangers can be determined by a structural analysis. The CSBs show how the modification of the irreversibility of one component, by means of a variation of its efficiency, affects the whole cycle. It will be wise to put much of the design effort in improving the efficiency of a component, knowing that a slight decrease of the irreversibility of that component, thanks to a higher efficiency, results in an important improvement in the total irreversibility of the cycle. This methodology is applied to a single effect ammonia-water absorption cooling cycle. We also study how the selection of efficiency parameters affects the results comparing CSBs of heat exchangers obtained from the minimum temperature differences or the UA-values. Results show that the UA is a more suitable parameter than the minimum temperature difference. Concerning the CSB values, we obtain very high values for the refrigerant heat exchanger. Values above one are also observed for the absorber, condenser and generator. Lower values are found for the generator and the solution heat exchanger. A more detailed analysis should investigate the dependence of the CSB values on the range of efficiencies. As a further step, these results could be used in the thermoeconomic analysis and economical optimization.