Rigorous simulation and comprehensive analysis for the novel glycerol carbonate (GC) production process via indirect conversion of CO2

Aiming to achieve net-zero and negative carbon emissions, an innovative process that converts CO2 into glycerol carbonate (GC) through an indirect pathway was rigorously investigated for the first time. The study began with a thorough consideration of the thermodynamic properties and reaction kinetics. Subsequently, alternative processes varying in reactor configurations were proposed. Fuzzy optimization was performed on the proposed processes to consider the competing objectives of minimizing production costs and reducing CO2 emissions. With thorough analysis, we have concluded that the process employing two reactors in a cascade (the "2R-process") is the most attractive. This process shows promise in both economic and decarbonization aspects. Under a targeted internal rate of return (IRR) of 15%, the minimum required selling price (MRSP) for GC is 0.628 USD/kg. Additionally, the entire process fixes 0.238 kg of CO2 per kg of GC produced (CO2-e = -0.238). These indices are superior to those of the previously proposed process based on reactive distillation (MRSP = 1.328 USD/kg, CO2-e = +0.209), and to many cost data for GC available in the literature (2.4 to 6.0 USD/kg). Finally, a control structure was established for the proposed process to manage the specified feed disturbances in flowrate and composition, without the need for any composition measurements. The control strategy involves the use of selective temperature control for the reactor, and two temperature difference controllers for the extractive distillation column (i.e. control scheme 2). In summary, the proposed process reveals significant potential to serve as an essential component in a future decarbonized economy.