Modeling and Optimization of the Refinery Steam Network by Pinch Analysis Approach

Steam as the key component of every site utility system not only provides heat for most processes, but to generate great amount of power; so that, managing and optimization of site utility network will result in energy saving in addition to minimum cost achievement. To design and investigation of existing utility network, selection of steam levels and determination of the configuration of the operating units between the steam levels are important. To achieve the task, a comprehensive model is required. This model should allow for the conversion of the cogeneration potential to shaft-work targeting. This paper, exploits the targeting model procedures through steam pinch analysis via T-H diagram, Turbine Hardware Model, (THM), and Boiler Hardware Model, (BHM), approaches for simultaneous optimization of steam network regarding the existing trade-off between energy saving and minimum cost to analysis the options for design as well as retrofit projects. To provide heat recovery opportunity, T-H diagram developed through pinch technology concept and thermodynamic principles. THM accounts for the variation of the efficiency with the turbine size, load and operating conditions to shaft-work targeting. The BHM approach is developed to describe the boilers performance. The software STAR is then reliable to make optimum steam network.

کلیدواژه ها:

Site utility system ، Optimization ، Turbine ، Boiler ، Pinch technology