Optimal Operation of Solvent-based Post-combustion Carbon Capture Processes with Reduced Models

This paper addresses the development of a methodology for optimal operation of solvent-based post-combustion carbon capture (PCC) with respect to techno-economical objectives. One of the main limitations in techno-economical analyses of PCC process is the unavailability of simple models for ease of use in PCC process optimization. Such mathematical models, even in reduced form, could facilitate performing efficient techno-economical studies without dealing with the complex physico-chemical models. In this study, a flowsheet PCC process model is developed and a sensitivity analysis is carried out around 1700 case studies. The resulting data were then modeled with Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to develop an explicit nonlinear reduced model. Optimal operating conditions were then found through the reduced model. Such optimal values are proposed as control set points in the PCC plant. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Open access under CC BY-NC-ND license. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of GHGT