(257b) Process Systems Engineering Contributions to Flexible Carbon Capture

Carbon capture remains a key component of the transition towards sustainable energy. Optimal design and operation of carbon capture plant are critically important in ensuring that this transition is economically feasible. In this presentation, we discuss recent progress in tools and algorithms for modeling, simulating and optimizing solvent-based carbon capture facilities, with a focus on processing flue gas from power plants. We expand on the multi-scale aspect of the problem, whereby the design of the solvent and of the entire plant are considered simultaneously, while also taking into account the time-varying operation of the power plant as determined by fluctuations in power demand on the grid. Several design and operational innovations that enhance the flexibility of the capture process under these circumstances will be presented, along with novel solvent regeneration strategies that minimize thermal degradation.