Together with Cogen Projects and KEMA, ECN has mapped out approximately 40 improvement options for Lyondell Chemical Neder land. A quarter of the improvements involves the use of membranes and four involve process intensification. Optimisation in production chains was central in a study into the effects of product improvement on energy saving in the consumption phase. This study performed at the metal manufacturer Corus resulted in a general methodology for determining indirect energy saving as a result of product innovation. Both systems are based on reversible chemical reactions, make a large temperature rise possible, and can store residual heat for an unlimited duration and at a much higher energy density than in conventional systems.
C are, however, more favourable.
On the basis of initial thermal design studies it is concluded that the economic feasibility is determined by the size of the heat exchanging surface. Pay back times of 3-5 years appear feasible, provided the reaction kinetics and the substance transport are not hindering factors. This cooler can store residual heat at 80 o C and transform it to approximately 10 o C for cooling in industry, in offices and industrial buildings and in the transport sector. In each of these sectors a saving of in excess of 10 PJ per year can be achieved. Stage 1 of the development was completed successfully.