Title: A systematic approach: combining process optimisation exergy analysis and energy recovery for a better efficiency of industrial processes

Authors: Stéphane Gourmelon; Raphaële Théry-Hétreux; Pascal Floquet

Addresses: Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, Toulouse, France ' Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, Toulouse, France ' Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, Toulouse, France

Abstract: Exergy analysis has been shown to be a powerful tool for assessing and improving the energy efficiency of thermal and chemical processes. However, the lack of systematic procedures in examining and interpreting the results of the exergy balance or the exergy efficiency makes this kind of analysis more or less limited to the academic world. This paper intends to promote an efficient energy usage through pinch, exergy analyses and energetic optimisation and by providing the engineer with specific improvement means by using a case-based reasoning (CBR) system. To make exergy analysis more understandable, it was decided to develop two methodological tools: a supporting graphical representation of the exergy analysis and a CBR system to help the user in developing alternatives. Both tools are grouped together into a general methodology for the analysis and retrofit design of industrial sites. This new approach is illustrated through an ammonia processing plant case study.

Keywords: exergy analysis; process retrofitting; ternary exergy diagram; CBR; case-based reasoning; optimisation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEX.2017.086169

International Journal of Exergy, 2017 Vol.23 No.4, pp.298 - 329

Received: 18 Mar 2017
Accepted: 15 Jun 2017
Published online: 28 Aug 2017 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article