Dia Milani

Modeling and Simulation Environments for Sustainable Low-Carbon Energy Production – A Review

Abstract This paper reviews research trends in modeling for low-carbon energy production. The focus is on two currently significant low-carbon energy processes; namely, bioenergy and post-combustion carbon capture (PCC) processes. The fundamentals of these two processes are discussed and the role of modeling and simulation tools (MSTs) is highlighted. The most popular modeling software packages are identified and their use in the literature is analyzed. Among commercially available packages, it is found that no single software package can handle all process development needs such as, configuration studies, techno-economic analysis, exergy optimization, and process integration. This review also suggests that optimal modeling results reported in literature can be viewed as optimal at the individual plant level, but sub-optimal for plant superstructure level. This review has identified key gaps pertinent to developing hybrid models that describe integrated energy production processes. ASPEN Plus is found to be dominant for modeling both bioenergy and PCC processes for both steady-state and dynamic modes respectively.

Computer-aided design for high efficiency latent heat storage – a case study of a novel domestic solar hot water process

Abstract Latent heat storage (LHS) with high energy storage density and near isotherm operation has emerged as an attractive sustainable alternative to the conventional sensible heat storage. In this paper, a novel domestic solar-assisted hot water (DSHW) process coupled to a LHS module is presented and assessed. Process simulation and sensitivity analyses are carried-out using an in-house 2-D dynamic model of the proposed DSHW. A simulation for a full year shows that with an appropriately customized design, the proposed process consumes about 86% less fossil-fuel compared to a conventional system, demonstrating the superiority of LHS over sensible heat storage in this DSHW application. The examination of the controllability of the system is warranted in order to mitigate the overheating phenomenon. The optimization of the LHS medium properties should be explored to further enhance the efficiency of the process. The current design approach can be implemented for various LHS applications ranging from simple DSHW to the large concentrated solar thermal industrial applications.