The decomposition of an energy system into subsystems of reduced complexity, to be optimized separately, but in a way compatible with the optimum of the global system, has been recognized as a viable solution to the problem of the design optimization of highly integrated, complex energy systems....

The synthesis problem, i.e. the definition of type, number and design parameters of system components and their interconnections, is one of the main research field of chemical and energy engineering. The present paper aims at clarifying some methodological aspects for the systematic synthesis of...

In the last decades component synthesis has become a critical issue in the research field about new highly integrated energy conversion systems. Several heuristic methodologies following experience-based guidelines have been proposed to simplify the problem of synthesis optimization. This paper...

A double-effect distillation system allows a significant reduction in energy consumption, since the condensers and reboilers of different columns can be integrated thermally. To achieve this goal, some columns operate under a vacuum, while others operate close to atmospheric pressure. These...

This study carried out an exergetic analysis of a proposed ethanol production scheme in which a new process – enzymatic hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse – is integrated into the conventional process. Seven cases were evaluated, among them a conventional ethanol production plant without...

Demand for bioethanol has grown considerably over the last years. Even though Brazil has been producing ethanol from sugarcane on a large scale for decades, this industry is characterized by low energy efficiency, using a large fraction of the bagasse produced as fuel in the cogeneration system...

The consumption of natural resources has been increasing continuously during recent decades, due to the growing demand caused by both the economic and the demographic rise of global population. Environmental overloads that endanger the survival of our civilization and the sustainability of...

Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) has been generally used in the recent past to evaluate the optimal operation of heat storage systems for district heating. In fact, model equations and constraints can be linearized to strongly reduce the computational time without a significant loss in...

Most of the efforts to improve energy system configurations are directed towards the recovery of internal heat, which reduces the contribution of the external hot source and enhance system efficiency accordingly. This problem is strictly related to the synthesis of different components into...