Enginerify was assigned a project from Drax to analyze energy source shift as Drax was looking to shift its energy source from coal to biomass (wood pellet) to become carbon neutral or even carbon negative by the use of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). This involved several activities including Data collection from the site, biomass and coal carbon emissions calculation, simulation on Aspen suite, carbon footprint calculation, carbon trading policy-making, pinch analysis, and optimization of internal heat recovery system by pinch analysis.
The main objective of this project was to evaluate the environmental, economic, and energy benefits of shifting from coal to biomass. To perform this project, the following activities were conducted:
Engineering data collection that includes operation data and design reports.
Database, drawings (PFDs and P&IDs), etc.
Analyze emissions and cost benefits for the transition to Biomass and Carbon Capture Storage (CCS) at a 3,900 MW power station.
Optimize internal energy recovery through Pinch Analysis.
Evaluate the feasibility of Oxy-fuel combustion for carbon capture.
Assess the benefits of biomass adoption and government schemes such as ROCs and UK ETS.
Conduct Pinch Analysis to optimize internal heat recovery and minimize external heating and cooling duties.
Cost estimation on the 2021 index
Simulation of process on Aspen Plus.
Development of an Implementation Plan
Preparation of final Comprehensive Report
A biomass Fuel Requirement of 14.45 million tons/year of wood pellets is required to meet 90% of production capacity.
CO2 Emissions Analysis for carbon reduction strategies with Oxy-fuel combustion technology.
Cost Benefits through ROCs and ETS showed an Estimated revenue of £485 million/year from switching to biomass, leveraging the Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs) and Emission Trading Scheme (ETS).
Pinch Analysis for energy recovery opportunities by shifting hot and cold composite curves. Achieved annual savings of £71,910 with optimized heat duties.
Emission Reduction Analysis Reduced CO2 emissions by 579,620.1 kg CO2e.
Enhanced Sustainability: Significant emission reduction through energy optimization and biomass adoption.
Financial Benefits: Leveraged government schemes (ROCs and ETS) to ensure financial viability for future investments.
Optimized Heat Recovery: Improved energy efficiency with substantial operational cost savings.
Strategic Insights: Recommendations for Oxy-fuel implementation and heat recovery provided a roadmap for long-term carbon neutrality.
CO2 emissions assessment and reduction strategy.
Comprehensive Pinch Analysis with design charts and heat duties.
Cost-benefit analysis for ROCs and ETS participation.
Recommendations for CCS technology adoption.
Aspen plus simulation
Data collected
Final report
