Energy Optimization Early in the Design Process Minimizes Process Energy Consumption and Minimizes Total Projects Costs

The typical project lifecycle includes only limited energy and utility analysis during early design, and that usually occurs near the end of FEED. This is often because the team lacks good input data before the design is quantified. As designs progress, there is more data, but process changes to reduce energy consumption become more expensive.

Incorporating optimization studies while the design is still flexible helps to yield maximum benefits for energy and capital minimization. The lack of process data does not have to be a roadblock to earlier optimization. Process Simulation, Pinch Analysis, Utility System Modeling and Experience and Expertise can help fill the gaps in the information needed.

By doing this analysis as early as possible in the design phase, maximum energy consumption reduction and capital outlay reduction benefits can be obtained. The cost impact of identified design changes will be much less than changes later in the design process, as most of the improvements are included in the initial design.

The presentation highlights how to incorporate energy efficiency earlier in the design process and provides a case study to show the benefits of this approach.