A Thermodynamic-Based Modeling and Analysis Approach for Mechanical Energy Recovery

Process energy recovery has always been a major practice in process system engineering, as despite a tremendous effort, energy loss in manufacturing sectors is still very high (~50% of the total consumption) (Energetics Inc., 2014). Heat-based thermal energy and work-based mechanical energy are two common forms of energy that are being consumed significantly in the process industry. Note that mechanical energy receives increasing attention due to significant loss in process systems.

In this work, the concept and fundamentals of mechanical energy recovery using direct type of work exchangers will be briefly discussed. A thermodynamic analysis method that can be used to quantitatively identify the maximum amount of recoverable mechanical energy of process systems will be investigated, and its feasibility will be shown through isothermal and non-isothermal conditions. A comprehensive methodology for work exchange network synthesis will be introduced and the feasibility of the combined work and heat exchanger network synthesis design will be discussed. The integration methodology will be tested through deriving solutions for a case study with consideration of the economic feasibility of the system.

Reference:

Energetics Inc. Manufacturing energy and carbon footprint. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy, Advanced Manufacturing Office. 2014.