Publication detail

Thermodynamics-based process sustainability evaluation

Varbanov, P.S., Chin, H.H., Popescu, A.-E.P., Boldyryev, S.

Original Title

Thermodynamics-based process sustainability evaluation

Type

journal article in Web of Science

Language

English

Original Abstract

This article considers the problem of the evaluation of the sustainability of heterogeneous process systems, which can have different areas of focus: from single process operations to complete supply chains. The proposed method defines exergy-based concepts to evaluate the assets, liabilities, and the exergy footprint of the analysed process systems, ensuring that they are suitable for Life Cycle Assessment. The proposed concepts, evaluation framework and cumulative Exergy Composite Curves allow the quantitative assessment of process systems, including alternative solutions. The provided case studies clearly illustrate the applicability of the method and the close quantitative relationship between the exergy profit and the potential sustainability contribution of the proposed solutions. The first case study demonstrates how the method is applied to the separation and reuse of an acetic-acid-containing waste stream. It is shown that the current process is not sustainable and needs substantial external exergy input and deeper analysis. The second case study concerns Municipal Solid Waste treatment and shows the potential value and sustainability benefit that can be achieved by the extraction of useful chemicals and waste-to-energy conversion. The proposed exergy footprint accounting framework clearly demonstrates the potential to be applied to sustainability assessment and process improvement while simultaneously tracking different kinds of resources and impacts.

Keywords

exergy footprint; sustainability; process systems engineering; exergy accounting

Authors

Varbanov, P.S., Chin, H.H., Popescu, A.-E.P., Boldyryev, S.

Released

1. 5. 2020

Publisher

MDPI, ST ALBAN-ANLAGE 66, CH-4052 BASEL, SWITZERLAND

Location

MDPI, ST ALBAN-ANLAGE 66, CH-4052 BASEL, SWITZERLAND

ISBN

1996-1073

Periodical

ENERGIES

Year of study

9

Number

13

State

Swiss Confederation

Pages from

2132

Pages to

2132

Pages count

28

URL

https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/13/9/2132

BibTex

@article{BUT168092,
  author="Petar Sabev {Varbanov} and Hon Huin {Chin}",
  title="Thermodynamics-based process sustainability evaluation",
  journal="ENERGIES",
  year="2020",
  volume="9",
  number="13",
  pages="2132--2132",
  doi="10.3390/en13092132",
  issn="1996-1073",
  url="https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/13/9/2132"
}