Design for Energy Efficiency

In the preceding chapters some of the main chemical developments that can help reduce waste, lower harmful emissions, improve process efficiency and generally aid development of more sustainable products and processes were discussed. In this and the following chapter the focus will be more on those aspects of technology that can lead to improved process and energy efficiency as well as process cost reduction. 

Detailed information of the energy requirements of competing processes is rarely available in the open literature. However, particularly for bulk chemicals, development of a much more energy-efficient process may be expected to provide significant commercial benefits resulting in the abandonment of older energy-intensive processes. 

An excellent example of the differing energy requirements of competing processes is provided by titanium dioxide production. There are two competing processes  

The sulfate process essentially involves three energy-intensive stages  

By contrast the chloride process can, for simplicity, be broken down into two relatively energy-efficient steps  

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Design for energy efficiency. Energy requirements for chemical processes should be minimized, with reactions carried out at room temperature if possible. 

Design for Energy Efficiency Energy requirements of chemical processes should be recognized for their environmental and economic impacts and should be minimized. If possible, synthetic methods should be conducted at ambient temperature and pressure. 

In 1996 GM would launch the EV1. Almost every part of the EV1 is designed for energy efficiency. The steering wheel and seat frames are made of low-weight magnesium. The radio antenna is part of the roof... 

Design for Energy Efficiency—The energy costs of synthetic methods should be considered and minimized whenever possible. This may include carrying out reactions and work-up procedures at ambient temperatures and pressures. 

The cells arc not designed for energy efficiency. The interclectrode gaps are large and the oxygen ovcrpotential at the anode is considerable. 

Principles 6 and 9—design for energy efficiency and catalysis The process constitutes very efficient biocatalysis with turnover numbers of >10 for KRED and GDH and >5 x 10 for HHDH. In contrast with previous processes, which employ elevated temperatures for the cyanation step and high-pressure hydrogenation... 

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