Polygeneration process design to recover waste cold energy in LNG regasification terminals: simulation-based optimization approach
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Hrithika Ganta
Abstract
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has emerged as a key energy vector owing to its lower carbon footprint. Calorific value specifications at regasification terminals necessitates pre-processing of LNG prior to regasification. Cryogenic distillation for heavy hydrocarbon removal (HHR) from LNG to lower the calorific value utilizes a portion of the available LNG cold energy. However, substantial amount of cold energy remains unutilized in HHR process. To reverse this wastage, a polygeneration process encompassing Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) for power generation along with diverse refrigeration strategies is proposed following the HHR process. A simulation-based optimization framework is developed to maximize the net present value (NPV) of the proposed polygeneration process and investigate its performance across different LNG feed conditions. Irrespective of LNG feed conditions, the proposed process is found to be technoeconomically feasible resulting in a positive NPV. The optimal process not only generates electricity but also refrigeration sufficient to cool 1,200 data center racks at
Funding source: Science and Engineering Research Board
Award Identifier / Grant number: SRG/2022/000756
Funding source: Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani
Award Identifier / Grant number: BITS/GAU/RIG/2020/H0760
Acknowledgment
The authors would like to thank DST-SERB (SRG/2022/000756) and Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, India (Research Initiation Grant: BITS/GAU/RIG/2020/H0760) for providing financial support.
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Research ethics: Not applicable.
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Informed consent: Not applicable.
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Author contributions: All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.
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Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.
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Conflict of interest: The authors state no conflict of interest.
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Research funding: DST-SERB (SRG/2022/000756) Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, India (Research Initiation Grant: BITS/GAU/RIG/2020/H0760).
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Data availability: Not applicable.
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