Rob M. Stikkelman

Design of a syngas infrastructure

Abstract A cluster feeding on synthesis gas produced by gasification would create feedstock flexibility to existing petrochemical clusters, which is key to their continued prosperity in times of increasing uncertainty about global crude oil production and availability. This paper describes the design of such a syngas cluster and infrastructure where technical, economic and institutional requirements have been taken into consideration. A number of network topologies were explored. A double bus topology turned out to be the most attractive solution. therein, users and suppliers can connect to a high volume, central ‘bus’ that comprises two pipelines for high and low quality syngas respectively. This topology allows for a major simplification of the methanol process, significantly reducing capital investment and operational cost. A “syngas market” is needed for the infrastructure to function properly. In it, syngas suppliers and users engage in transactions. For its design, two options were selected: bilateral contracts and trading on a syngas spot market. The latter provides flexibility and acts as a price determinate for low quality syngas. All low quality syngas is bought by a “transport services” company, which places it in a common pool from which users can buy the quantities they need.

Designing Networked Energy Infrastructures with Architectural Flexibility

Development of networked energy infrastructures (like gas pipe networks), generally requires a significant amount of capital investment under resources, market and institutional uncertainties. Several independent suppliers and consumers are to be connected into these networks. However, the actual commitment of these parties and the capacities they require from the network can remain uncertain for a long time. This is a challenging task for development co-owners because decisions, such as network architectures, have to be made while uncertainty exists. In order to effectively explore through the design space and identify architecturally flexible designs addressing a view of capacity uncertainty, a simulation framework based on a combination of Monte Carlo simulation and Graph Theory is proposed. It integrates a stochastic capacity demand model and network design heuristic algorithm. The framework will be able to evaluate architectural design options and show that architectural flexibility can significantly improve the value of the infrastructure project by reducing downside risks and benefiting from upside gains compared to the deterministic design approach.

Decision making in the methanol production chain a screening tool for exploring alternative production chains

Abstract We have executed a study that explored a variety of carbon-based feedstocks such as natural gas, oil, coal, organic waste streams and renewable resources (biomass) for the production of methanol, in order to find and demonstrate the potential of new, sustainable methanol production routes. We modeled the methanol production chain as an assembly of various independent operations, and we have automated the process of assembling and adjusting the methanol chains. We screened and compared various methanol production chains with respect to key performance indicators and their sensitivity towards various future environmental and economic policies. Our work shows that straightforward modeling of processing chains can contribute significantly to decision making in the methanol chain.

Assessing complexity of carbon capture and storage using multi-criteria decision-making methods

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) has been considered worldwide a key strategy for reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power plants and large energy-intensive industries burning fossil fuels. However, CCS projects are complex systems, influenced by several factors that may hamper their deployment. This paper analyzes the complexity of CCS projects by applying two multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods to evaluate what the most important complexity factors are and how they influence each other. The objective is threefold: reveal the main complexity factors affecting CCS projects; show that these factors are highly interconnected; and demonstrate that the methodology applied in this work is not case specific, so it also can be applied in the analysis of other types of complex systems. The findings of this paper can contribute to the scientific knowledge of complexity of projects and can improve the understanding of CCS projects, helping decision-makers to create strategies that foster a fast the deployment of CCS.

A screening tool for exploring production chains

Abstract This paper presents a new model for screening and comparing various production chains on a level that supports policy decision making. Two examples are presented, a centralized and a decentralized energy supply network in the Netherlands, of which we screen and compare the network with respect to key performance indicators like costs, energy efficiency, CO 2 emissions, employment and capital outlay, in order to demonstrate the potential of the automated tool.

A socio-technical perspective to flexible design of energy infrastructure systems

Systems engineering is the dominant approach for designing flexibility in infrastructure systems. However, the approach merely focuses on physical elements of the system as ‘objects of design’, whereas hardly any attention is given to the institutional structures (e.g. contracts) required to realize the system. In this paper, the conceptual gaps of systems engineering approach when it comes to infrastructure systems design is discussed. As a way to address these conceptual gaps a theoretical framework that integrates the technical/engineering perspective and the actor/institutional perspective is proposed. The framework promotes design procedures for integrating flexibility, not only in the technical elements of the system but also in the institutional structures.

Building a Syngas Infrastructure: Translating Inverse Properties into Design Recommendations

The notion of inverse infrastructures – that is, bottom-up, user-driven, self-organizing networks – gives us a fresh perspective on the omnipresent infrastructure systems that support our economy and structure our way of living. This fascinating book considers the emergence of inverse infrastructures as a new phenomenon that will have a vast impact on consumers, industry and policy. Using a wide range of theories, from institutional economics to complex adaptive systems, it explores the mechanisms and incentives for the rise of these alternatives to large-scale infrastructures and points to their potential disruptive effect on conventional markets and governance models.

Multi-fuel syngas infrastructures in seaports

Large scale energy conversion processes, like refineries and power plant are often located in a harbor industrial cluster. They heavily rely upon a single type of energy carrier and thus are vulnerable to price and availability variations. In the article we introduce the multi-fuel syngas infrastructure. It comprises fuel flexible gasifiers, a gas distribution network and syngas conversion processes. At a fuel input rate of hundreds of petajoules it can convert the optimal mix of natural gas, oil, coal, biomass and residues simultaneously to the required product portfolio. The freedom to pick the cheapest energy source at any time results in a balanced and relative low syngas price. Due to the feedstock flexibility annual gross revenues can be expected - in the range of 1-10 billion dollars for world-scale clusters. A multi-fuel syngas infrastructure thus will significantly contribute to the growth, strength and continuity of seaport regions.

Developing a methanol-based industrial cluster

Abstract We have conducted a study in collaboration with the Port of Rotterdam in which we explored possibilities for developing a methanol-based industrial cluster in that area. The study had two main goals. The first goal was to develop a realistic methanol-based industrial cluster, supported by technical and economic data. For our cluster we have considered plants and processes from the entire production chain. The second goal of the study was to bring together various actors in the field of our proposed methanol cluster. In order to create a common language among the actors and to get the actors involved actively, we developed a virtual prototype of the cluster. During a workshop with the actors, we used the virtual prototype as a vehicle to initiate discussions concerning technical and economic issues and improve upon the proposed cluster. The key actors that are needed to bring about innovative changes are expected to continue the discussions and explorations in this field together in the future.