Optimizing Process Loads in Industrial Cogeneration Energy Systems

Abstract

Optimum dispatch of energy supply systems can result in large savings in industrial facilities. Identifying the configuration of available equipment, and its loading to minimize total energy consumption to satisfy given load demands, has very high payback potential. This paper discusses an approach to determine integrated energy supply and end use optimum equipment dispatch to simultaneously satisfy given power, process steam and additional "end energy" product needs such as compressed fluids, chemical unit production, etc. Techniques applied to power generation and industrial cogeneration are extended to solving this trigeneration problem where the optimum dispatch of the final load devices (i.e. compressors, fans, pumps, etc.) are an integral part of the total energy system optimization. An example industrial trigeneration system is discussed to illustrate the application and procedures. The methods of considering alternate energy sources, for end use optimization with export power and steam generation will be illustrated. The savings associated with operations optimization readily justify the hardware and software costs required for implementation of Optimization Energy Management Systems (OEMS). An OEMS capability for this application is briefly discussed.