Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2021

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

PhD

College

Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Department

Chemical and Biomedical Engineering

Committee Chair

Fernando V. Lima

Committee Member

Debangsu Bhattacharyya

Committee Member

YanFang Ye

Committee Member

Stephen E. Zitney

Committee Member

Thorsten Wuest

Committee Member

David R. Vinson

Abstract

In this dissertation, a novel operability framework is introduced for the process design of modular and intensified energy systems that are challenged by complexity and highly constrained environments. Previously developed process operability approaches are reviewed and further developed in terms of theory, application, and software infrastructure. An optimization-based multilayer operability framework is introduced for process design of nonlinear energy systems. In the first layer of this framework, a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP)-based iterative algorithm considers the minimization of footprint and achievement of process intensification targets. Then, in the second layer, an operability analysis is performed to incorporate key features of optimality and feasibility accounting for the system achievability and flexibility. The outcome of this framework consists of a set of modular designs, considering both the aspects of size and process operability. For this study and throughout this dissertation, the nonlinear system is represented by multiple linearized models, which results in lower computational expense and more efficient quantification of operability regions.

A systematic techno-economic analysis framework is also proposed for costing intensified modular systems. Conventional costing techniques are extended to allow estimation of capital and operating costs of modular units. Economy of learning concepts are included to consider the effect of experience curves on purchase costs. Profitability measures are scaled with respect to production of a chemical of interest for comparison with plants of traditional scale. Scenarios in which the modular technology presents break-even or further reduction in cost when compared to the traditional process are identified as a result. A framework for the development of process operability algorithms is provided as a software infrastructure outcome. Generated codes from the developed approaches are included in an open-source platform that will give researchers from academia and industry access to the algorithms. This platform has the purpose of dissemination and future improvement of process operability algorithms and methods.

To show versatility and efficacy of the developed approaches, a variety of applications are considered as follows: a membrane reactor for direct methane aromatization conversion to hydrogen and benzene (DMA-MR), the classical shower problem in process operability, a power plant cycling application for power generation with penetration of renewable energy sources, and a newly developed modular hydrogen unit. Applications to DMA-MR subsystems demonstrate employment of the multilayer framework to find a region with modular design candidates, which are then ranked according to an operability index. The most operable design is determined and contrasted with the optimal design with respect to process intensification in terms of footprint minimization, showing that optimality at fixed nominal operations does not necessarily ensure the best system operability. For the modular hydrogen unit application, the developed process operability framework provides guidelines for obtaining modular designs that are highly integrated and flexible with respect to disturbances in inlet natural gas composition. The modular hydrogen unit is also used for demonstration of the proposed techno-economic analysis framework. A comparison with a benchmark conventional steam methane reforming plant shows that the modular hydrogen unit can benefit from the economy of learning. An assembled modular steam methane reforming plant is used to map the decrease in natural gas price that must be needed for the plant to break even when compared to traditional technologies. Scenarios in which the natural gas price is low allow break-even cost for both individual hydrogen units and the assembled modular plant. The economy of learning must produce a reduction of 40% or less in capital cost when the natural gas price is under 0.02 US$/Sm3. This result suggests that the synthesized modular hydrogen process has potential to be economically feasible under these conditions. The developed tools can be used to accelerate the deployment and manufacturing of standardized modular energy systems.

Download

Share

COinS