Integrated Energy System Modeling and Optimization for Decarbonization of the Chemical Industry

Integrated Energy System Modeling and Optimization for Decarbonization of the Chemical Industry

Semester/Master project Fall 2024

Context

The project is part of the IMPULSE 2025, a collaborative effort between the IPESE Research Group and Terèga, a major actor in gas transportation and storage in France and Europe. This partnership between industry and academia aims to decarbonize the industrial site of Lacq, a historic chemical hub located in the southwest of France.

Effective decarbonization solutions require industrial actors to reassess their energy demand and resource consumption while maintaining economic competitiveness. A systemic study of the integrated energy system within the industrial site is required. Developing a digital twin of the site to perform multi-objective optimization will allow for the assessment and evaluation of optimal solutions that maximize emission reductions while minimizing investment and operational costs.

In this project, students will work with models of industrial processes and utilities within the OSMOSE framework software developed by IPESE. Using this solver, students will generate solutions based on existing models and have the opportunity to develop new ones. Each solution features a specific subset of decarbonization technologies, including biofuel production, carbon capture, and the electrification of processes and utilities. This work will enhance the student’s analytical and coding skills in multi-objective optimization. A sensitivity analysis will be conducted to assess the impact of energy market uncertainties. Therefore, the goal of this semester project, which can also be completed during summer or extended into a master’s thesis, is to provide quantitative information to support the decision-making process for site decarbonization.

Objectives/tasks

  1. Model energy conversion technologies suitable for the site’s decarbonization targets.
  2. Generate and assess multiple solutions through multi-objective optimization.
  3. Develop graphical tools (charts, graphs, etc.) to visualize the results.
  4. Perform a sensitivity analysis to evaluate the impact of energy market uncertainties.

Skills

  • Understanding of energy integration and process optimization
  • Interest in the energy market
  • Analytical skills and results interpretation
  • Good coding skills in at least one of the following languages: Python, R or Matlab
  • Experience in process flowsheeting tools (Aspen Plus, Aspen Hysys, Belsim Vali) is a plus

Administrative

The project will be supervised by Lorenzo Aimone (IPESE), under the guidance of Prof. François Maréchal. Interested students should submit their CV and a short presentation of their background to lorenzo.aimone@epfl.ch

Practical information

This project is a collaborative research effort between IPESE (EPFL) and Terèga. The IPESE office is situated in Sion, 1 hour away from Lausanne by train. Expenses for commuting, which are not expected to exceed twice per week, will be covered by the laboratory.