This case study evaluates the potential of recovery and utilization of waste heat from three solvent recovery distillation columns, conducted in collaboration with the biotech company Cytiva Sweden AB. Currently, waste heat from distillation processes is dissipated through conventional air-cooling systems without any heat recovery mechanism. Cytiva are assessing utilizing the waste heat with two distinct methods: using a vapor compression heat pump (HP) in a shared circulating cooling system serving multiple waste heat generating processes and implementing a semi-open mechanical vapor recompression system (MVR) within one of the three distillation processes, thereby substituting the conventional virgin steam-powered reboiler with a waste heat-fed alternative. The study pursues a dual objective. Firstly, it to develops a computational model based on simplified process schematics, fluid flows, and temperatures, encompassing five scenarios, including a baseline scenario devoid of waste heat recuperation or utilization. Two scenarios involving an HP within the cooling system, leveraging waste heat to elevate water temperatures from 50 ⁰C to the requisite 80 ⁰C for subsequent export into a district heating distribution grid. Another scenario integrates an MVR system into one distillation process, while conventionally cooling the remaining waste heat flows. Lastly, a combined scenario incorporates both the HP and MVR systems. Using operational parameters, energy prices, and emissions factors from 2023, the model identifies the optimal alternative based on energy savings, emission reduction, and economic profitability. The combined HP and MVR system emerges as the most favorable option, yielding annual energy savings of 14 500 MWh, a heat export of 9 800 MWh/year generating profits of 4.9 Mkr/year, emissions reductions of 2 000 tonCO2ekv/year, and a yearly total cost savings of 9.9 Mkr. However, the combined system is also the most expensive option. The independent nature of the two systems facilitates ease of installation and operation. These findings provide valuable insights for Cytiva in their efforts to mitigate environmental impact through heat recovery and utilization.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:uu-531750 |
| Date | January 2024 |
| Creators | Maier, Johan |
| Publisher | Uppsala universitet, Byggteknik och byggd miljö |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | Swedish |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
| Relation | UPTEC ES, 1650-8300 ; 24012 |
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