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Source-transport-sink integration framework for collaborative energy-carbon optimization in the steel sintering process

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  • Cheng, Sihong
  • Che, Zichang
  • Zhang, Wenbo
  • Tong, Yali
  • Gao, Jiajia
  • Yue, Tao

Abstract

High energy consumption and concentrated carbon emissions in steel sintering have become key research priorities for industrial transformation. Existing studies suffer from singular technology assessments, linear simplifications of waste heat transmission, and a lack of quantitative evaluation of waste heat quality for carbon capture. This paper develops a collaborative carbon reduction scheme that integrates gradient energy-saving technologies across source-transport-sink stages. At the source, a CFD model based on gas-solid reactions dynamically integrates flue gas recirculation, dynamic fuel distribution (DFD), and recirculation flue gas control (RFGC), with particle swarm optimization (PSO) for sinter quality enhancement and fuel reduction. The transport stage establishes a pipeline network model simulating optimal temperature and flow attenuation. The sink stage employs MEA absorption-regeneration, with exergy analysis quantifying the impact of waste heat quality on irreversible carbon capture losses. Results show that the coupled process achieves 23.9% fuel reduction per unit sinter, an annual CO2 reduction of 2.11 × 105 t, stable 13.9 MW waste heat utilization, and exergy efficiency improvement from 35.1% to 43.1%. This study provides a verifiable pathway for integrated source-transport-sink transformation, contributing to carbon neutrality and energy efficiency enhancement in steel sintering.

Suggested Citation

  • Cheng, Sihong & Che, Zichang & Zhang, Wenbo & Tong, Yali & Gao, Jiajia & Yue, Tao, 2026. "Source-transport-sink integration framework for collaborative energy-carbon optimization in the steel sintering process," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 348(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:348:y:2026:i:c:s0360544226006080
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2026.140505
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