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Comparison of the Energetic Efficiency of Gas Separation Technologies Using the Physical Optimum by the Example of Oxygen Supply Options

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  • Samanta A. Weber

    (Department of Energy and Biotechnology, Flensburg University of Applied Sciences (FUAS), 24943 Flensburg, Germany)

  • Dirk Volta

    (Department of Energy and Biotechnology, Flensburg University of Applied Sciences (FUAS), 24943 Flensburg, Germany)

  • Jürgen Kuck

    (Faculty of Utilities Supply Technology, Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences, 38302 Wolfenbüttel, Germany)

Abstract

This study applies the Physical Optimum ( PhO ) as a reference value to rate the efficiency of two technical options for the oxygen supply of a hospital. The systematic comparison of the alternative processes using the PhO as a benchmark for the minimum input (exergy in this case) required to run a process with a certain benefit allows to determine the potential for optimization of each technology. Differences are analyzed by visualizing the losses of each individual production step in a process as well as by the resulting overall energy demand, including the primary energy. Possible alternatives are purchasing liquid oxygen from a cryogenic process or the production by means of Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) on site. The cryogenic production shows a lower exergy demand even though it also has a higher potential for optimization. Yet, the total losses, significantly impacted by the unavoidable transportation, sum up, resulting in the conclusion that the PSA is the preferable option overall, considering energy aspects. Finally, additional criteria such as economic, legal, and structural consequences of the respective choices are briefly outlined.

Suggested Citation

  • Samanta A. Weber & Dirk Volta & Jürgen Kuck, 2022. "Comparison of the Energetic Efficiency of Gas Separation Technologies Using the Physical Optimum by the Example of Oxygen Supply Options," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-22, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:5:p:1855-:d:762938
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lucia, Umberto & Grisolia, Giulia, 2017. "Unavailability percentage as energy planning and economic choice parameter," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 197-204.
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    3. Ebrahimi, Armin & Meratizaman, Mousa & Akbarpour Reyhani, Hamed & Pourali, Omid & Amidpour, Majid, 2015. "Energetic, exergetic and economic assessment of oxygen production from two columns cryogenic air separation unit," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 90(P2), pages 1298-1316.
    4. Paula Marlene Wenzel & Peter Radgen & Jan Westermeyer, 2021. "Comparing Exergy Analysis and Physical Optimum Method Regarding an Induction Furnace," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-18, March.
    5. Lukas Kerpen & Achim Schmidt & Bernd Sankol, 2021. "Differentiating the Physical Optimum from the Exergetic Evaluation of a Methane Combustion Process," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-17, June.
    6. Fu, Chao & Gundersen, Truls, 2012. "Using exergy analysis to reduce power consumption in air separation units for oxy-combustion processes," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 44(1), pages 60-68.
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