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Radically Electrified Cyclic Dividing Wall Column: Systems Integration, Optimization and Control

Project description

Electrified distillation for climate-neutral chemicals

Distillation is one of the most energy-intensive separation processes in the chemical industry. Decarbonisation is required to reduce and avoid CO2 emissions in line with Europe's climate-neutrality objectives. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the RE-Cy-DWC project aims to introduce separation through process intensification and electrification. Specifically, it will integrate cyclic distillation with heat pumps to ensure high product purity and stable operations, even under dynamic conditions. Targeting a 20 % reduction in energy use and a 30 % cut in CO2 emissions, the project’s goal is to create a scalable, net-zero-ready pathway. Ultimately, the project is designed to help the industry meet climate targets without compromising productivity.

Objective

The RE-Cy-DWC project aims to develop a novel, energy-efficient, and sustainable distillation process by integrating cyclic distillation (Cy-Dist) and dividing wall column (DWC) technologies with process electrification. Distillation is a key process in the chemical industry, but it is highly energy-intensive and relies heavily on fossil fuels. This project addresses the challenge of reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions in distillation processes by combining process intensification (PI) and power-to-heat (PtH) solutions. The primary objectives of the project are to: (i) develop mathematical models for the RE-Cy-DWC process that optimize its energy use and carbon efficiency; (ii) design and implement advanced control systems to maintain operational stability and product quality, even under dynamic conditions; (iii) integrate electrification technologies, such as heat pumps, to further enhance energy savings and reduce CO2 emissions. The project’s approach will lead to a 20% improvement in energy efficiency and a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to conventional distillation processes. The results of the project will directly contribute to the European Union’s goals for industrial decarbonization and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, aligning with the EU’s Work Programme on climate action and sustainable industries. By advancing low-carbon distillation technologies, the project will provide tangible benefits to industries such as chemicals and energy, enabling a transition towards more sustainable production methods. The knowledge generated will be disseminated through open-access platforms, workshops, and publications, ensuring its broad impact across both academia and industry.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01

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Coordinator

TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT DELFT
Net EU contribution
€ 232 916,16
Total cost
No data