The Electrification of Conventional Industrial Processes: The Use of Mechanical Vapor Compression in an EtOH–Water Distillation Tower

Andrea Liberale Rispoli, Giacomo Rispoli, Nicola Verdone, Annarita Salladini, Emanuela Agostini, Mirko Boccacci, Maria Paola Parisi, Barbara Mazzarotta and Giorgio Vilardi
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Andrea Liberale Rispoli: Department of Chemical Engineering Materials Environment, “Sapienza” University of Rome, via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy
Giacomo Rispoli: MyRechemical S.p.A., via di Vannina 88, 00156 Rome, Italy
Nicola Verdone: Department of Chemical Engineering Materials Environment, “Sapienza” University of Rome, via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy
Annarita Salladini: MyRechemical S.p.A., via di Vannina 88, 00156 Rome, Italy
Emanuela Agostini: MyRechemical S.p.A., via di Vannina 88, 00156 Rome, Italy
Mirko Boccacci: MyRechemical S.p.A., via di Vannina 88, 00156 Rome, Italy
Maria Paola Parisi: Department of Chemical Engineering Materials Environment, “Sapienza” University of Rome, via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy
Barbara Mazzarotta: Department of Chemical Engineering Materials Environment, “Sapienza” University of Rome, via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy
Giorgio Vilardi: Department of Chemical Engineering Materials Environment, “Sapienza” University of Rome, via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 21, 1-18

Abstract: The aim of this study is to analyze the exergetic, environmental, and economic impact of the electrification of a bio-refinery plant, considering the application of Mechanical Vapor Compression (MVC) to a conventional water–ethanol distillation column in the context of bioethanol production. The process was implemented in AspenPlus ® and Aspen Exchange Design and Rating (EDR) simulation environments, where a sensitivity analysis was also carried out, considering four scenarios characterized by different compressions’ operative conditions, and including a Coefficient of Performance ( CoP ) analysis of the proposed solution with MVC. Exergetic and economic analyses were performed, and the relevant impacts on Operative Expenditure (OpEx) and Capital Expenditure (CapEx) were analyzed. Comparing the base case scenario with the proposed solution, a reduction of operative costs of around 63% was achieved. Finally, an environmental analysis was carried out, showing a remarkable reduction in the carbon footprint of the unit, with a carbon dioxide emission reduction of almost 80% for the MVC solution, in line with RED target requirements.

Keywords: electrification; energy transition; mechanical vapor compression (MVC); water ethanol distillation; bioethanol; process simulation; CO 2 emissions; RED II (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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