Flexible operation of solvent regeneration systems for CO2 capture processes using advanced control techniques: Towards operational cost minimisation

We present a novel approach for the control of the solvent regeneration system of amine-based CO2 capture processes. This relies on the real-time evaluation of the cost-optimal extent of solvent regeneration at given energy and CO2 prices. To achieve this, a multilevel, model predictive control architecture is proposed and developed for this system. The low-level control regulates the level of solvent inside the reboiler and the power supplied to the system, while the high-level control regulates the extent of the solvent regeneration in order to minimize the operating cost. This approach ensures the safe operation of the system while concurrently enhancing process flexibility. We demonstrate that this new technique can result in a reduction of up to 10% in energy cost required for solvent regeneration. A simulator tool developed in Matlab (TM) is available on request. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.