Framework for advanced exergoeconomic performance analysis and optimization of an oil shale retorting process

A framework based on advanced exergoeconomic analysis is proposed for evaluation and optimization of oil shale retorting processes. The proposed approach aims to facilitate identification of the improvement potential of energy conversion systems in oil shale retorting. A Fushun-type OSR (oil shale retorting) process is analyzed to illustrate the application of the proposed framework. The results indicate that the total exergy destruction rate of the OSR process under consideration is 442.62 MW, of which 54.60% is avoidable. The total exergy cost and total avoidable cost of the OSR process are 323.08 × 106 CNY/y and 115.51 × 106 CNY/y, i.e., the improvement potential of the OSR process is 35.75%. The retort is found to be the component of the OSR process having the greatest potential for decrease of exergy destruction cost. Following optimization, the cost per exergy unit of product of the six components of the OSR process decreases by 6.93%-11.28%. The total cost per exergy unit of product is reduced by 5.62%. The total avoidable cost is reduced by 17.03% and the exergy efficiency increased by 2.41%.