(327c) An Integrated Multi-Scale Spatiotemporal Modelling Framework for Optimal Design of CO2 Capture, Transport and Storage Networks

In general, when the carbon capture, transport and storage (CCTS) problem is considered, each component of the CCTS network is analysed independently. However, in order to realise a cost-optimal system design, the extensive inter-connectedness of these networks must be accounted for. In this contribution, we propose a whole-systems approach to the design of CCTS networks. To achieve this goal, we integrate validated CO₂ capture process models¹,² with a spatio-temporally explicit approach for network modelling. Using the process models, we determine a cost- optimal degree-of-capture (DOC) for a given source. A typical CCTS network comprises a number of CO₂ sources and a number of potential CO₂ storage sites. Further, the source-sink relationships may be extremely complex in terms of the proximity of a given source to an appropriate sink. Finally, it is important to account for the evolution of CCTS networks by accounting for the gradual incorporation of additional sources and sinks into the network in such a way as to minimise the total lifetime cost whilst complying with CO₂ emission mitigation goals. Thus a comprehensive framework that is both spatially and temporally explicit is required for the design of these systems. The dynamic aspect of the proposed models is of paramount importance, especially within the context of future energy-related networks design. For instance, a recent study³ has revealed the long-term prospects of hydrogen in the transport sector (and mapped out the optimal roadmaps), using a detailed spatio-temporal framework, which could not have been identified with static models. Since the future emission reduction targets, sink availability and capacity, and injection rates are uncertain, a detailed stochastic analysis is an integral part of our framework. We then demonstrate the applicability and usefulness of our integrated multi-scale approach with a real case study by applying it to design CCTS networks for the UAE. As the UAE has the second largest CO2 emissions-per-capita in the world, the development of cost-optimal CCS networks is of special relevance to the UAE. The potential CO₂ emission sources considered include 17 power plants, 5 cement plants and 2 refineries ? altogether these contribute up to 30 million tons of CO₂ annually. The potential sinks considered include 5 geological sites based on enhanced oil recovery (EOR). CO₂ transportation is based on pipelines and economies of scale for the pipeline transport are explicitly accounted for (using piecewise linearization). The detailed framework and the resulting CCTS networks will be presented during the conference. Finally, it is worthwhile to mention that the framework is generic and is equally applicable to any other geographical region.

1.Mac Dowell, N. et al., Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 49(4), 1883-1899, s2010 2.Mac Dowell, N. et al., ESCAPE 20, Italy, June 2010 3.Konda, N. V. S. N. M. et al., PSE Asia 2010, Singapore, July 2010