Emissions and Energy: An Integral Approach Using an Online Energy Management and Optimization Model

Abstract

With the expected legislation on the horizon in the U.S., the cost of CO2 emissions will have significant impact on industrial plant operations in the near future. Our purpose in this presentation is to show real industrial examples in which, with the existing equipment, continuous CO2 emissions reductions were achieved while, at the same time, optimizing the energy systems using an online model. We will show the importance of including the cost of CO2 emissions and how they should properly be taken into account when managing energy systems. Furthermore, we will illustrate how an optimization model is used for evaluating case studies to suggest the most cost effective energy system modifications while taking into account CO2 emissions costs. Several examples and results corresponding to the application of such systems to refineries will be discussed. In addition, the integration of CO2 emission costs and constraints into the online energy system models and their optimization is also explained.