Systematic approach for the synthesis of water and energy networks

In this paper a heuristic procedure for the synthesis of integrated water and thermal energy networks is presented. The procedure is based on process integration techniques and looks at design of networks that exhibit minimum water and energy consumption. The interrelations between of water and energy are analyzed and new insights are drawn that allow for the implementation of a systematic methodology. The approach starts with the use of a temperature vs. concentration diagram from which the water using structure is designed. Starting from an initial network configuration, the structure is further improved in order to minimize the external resources requirements. In addition, the use of non-isothermal mixing allows the reduction in the number of required heat exchangers. A case study from the open literature is used to show the application of the procedure.

► The methodology focuses on the design of water and energy networks. ► New insights are drawn that allow for the implementation of a systematic methodology. ► A contribution is the use of the temperature vs. concentration diagram. ► The non-isothermal mixing allows the reduction in the number of heat exchangers.