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    Overview

    First and second law analysis; entropy, exergy and pinch methods for process analysis. Process optimisation, integration and applications.

    This paper focuses on the practical application of energy management in an industrial context. It specifically deals with how to find the optimum balance between energy efficiency, CO₂ intensity, capital costs and other operations issues including consideration of risk. It begins with a review of thermodynamics, followed by topics in pinch analysis, compressors, turbines, steam and water, optimisation methods, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) and combustion heat exchange. It then finishes with case studies in power generation, grey/blue/green hydrogen systems, and processing technology.

    This paper is regarded as both difficult and rewarding. Some advanced mathematics are useful, but the challenge centres on learning how to apply all of the different concepts to real-world situations without the context of a focussed textbook. The lecturer in the paper is a consultant, currently practising in the field, rather than an academic staff member.

     

    About this paper

    Paper title Process Optimisation
    Subject Energy Management
    EFTS 0.1667
    Points 20 points
    Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,448.79
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Eligibility
    Enrolments for this paper require departmental permission. View more information about departmental permission.
    Contact
    michael.jack@otago.ac.nz
    Teaching staff
    Course Co-ordinator: Dr Eric Scharpf
    Textbooks

    Textbooks are not required for this paper. However, students are expected to read an array of technical articles distributed throughout the term and also consult various sources on their own initiative to supplement the lecture material and to support their work in solving the homework problems.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    After completing this paper, the students will be able to:

    1. Understand and apply the basic aspects of equipment design, heat transfer and thermodynamics to evaluate the cost and performance of heaters, boilers, compressors, expanders and power generation systems
    2. Understand and apply basic aspects of capital and operating-cost analysis, utilisation, efficiency, usability and risk to evaluate optimal energy-management solutions for various industry scenarios
    3. Understand the properties of water in various applications, such as cooling towers, process condensate, hot water and steam systems to evaluate and improve the performance and operation of the corresponding industrial systems
    4. Understand and apply heat-integration optimisation methods to improve complex industrial operations, such as thermally based power generation, steam methane reforming and separation systems
    5. Be able to identify a wide range of industrial energy-management opportunities separate from the traditional academic context and develop workable improvement options to reduce overall costs or improve overall benefits mindful of both project and operations risks

    Timetable

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    None
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