A graphical CO2 emission treatment intensity assessment for energy and economic analyses of integrated decarbonised production systems

Design of clean energy systems is highly complex due to the existence of a variety of CO2 abatement and integration options. In this study, an effective decision-making methodology has been developed for facilitating the selection of lowest energy or lowest cost intensity systems, from a portfolio of flowsheet configurations with different decarbonisation strategies. The fundamental aspect of the proposed methodology lies in thermodynamic feasibility assessment as well as quantification of CO2 emission treatment intensity using a graphical approach (CO2 emission balance diagram) for energy and economic performance analyses of integrated decarbonised systems. The relationship between the graphical representation and performances is established using Blocks and Boundaries on integrated systems. The effectiveness of the methodology has been demonstrated through a range of coal gasification based polygeneration and cogeneration systems, incorporating either of carbon capture and storage (CCS) or CO2 reuse options.