(485c) Modeling the Mobility Transition - a Multi-Scale Approach
AIChE Annual Meeting
2022
2022 Annual Meeting
Computing and Systems Technology Division
Process Design in Energy and Sustainability: towards a net zero carbon economy
Wednesday, November 16, 2022 - 1:04pm to 1:21pm
Data-driven decision making is important towards promoting a systemic transition towards net-
carbon neutrality by 2050 [1]. There is a recognized need to synchronize long term infrastructure
planning with scheduling decisions subject to variations at shorter temporal scales [2, 3], viz. 1)
intermittent renewable availability and 2) resource price fluctuations. This is especially relevant in
the context of integrating: 1) renewable power generation, 2) the production and supply of energy
vectors, 3) carbon capture utilization and sequestration (CCUS). Moreover, typically long planning
horizons mandate careful consideration of invested capital and existing infrastructure, as also the
evolution of technology, and the associated costs of deployment.
carbon neutrality by 2050 [1]. There is a recognized need to synchronize long term infrastructure
planning with scheduling decisions subject to variations at shorter temporal scales [2, 3], viz. 1)
intermittent renewable availability and 2) resource price fluctuations. This is especially relevant in
the context of integrating: 1) renewable power generation, 2) the production and supply of energy
vectors, 3) carbon capture utilization and sequestration (CCUS). Moreover, typically long planning
horizons mandate careful consideration of invested capital and existing infrastructure, as also the
evolution of technology, and the associated costs of deployment.
The multi-scale energy systems framework considers the evolution of technology costs under different
levels of promotion through research and targeted policies based on their current technology
readiness levels (TRLs). The utilization of infrastructure materials and their associated global
warming potential (GWP) is also considered. Furthermore, the framework posits how proposed
policies such as carbon credits for CCUS initiatives could manifest over a protracted timescale.
Nevertheless, extensive mathematical programming frameworks can be computationally challenging
to resolve. To this end, scenario reduction, model decomposition strategies, and surrogate modeling
of nonlinear processes is implemented to ensure computational tractability at an acceptable loss of
solution fidelity.
readiness levels (TRLs). The utilization of infrastructure materials and their associated global
warming potential (GWP) is also considered. Furthermore, the framework posits how proposed
policies such as carbon credits for CCUS initiatives could manifest over a protracted timescale.
Nevertheless, extensive mathematical programming frameworks can be computationally challenging
to resolve. To this end, scenario reduction, model decomposition strategies, and surrogate modeling
of nonlinear processes is implemented to ensure computational tractability at an acceptable loss of
solution fidelity.
The implementation of the mixed integer linear programming (MILP) framework is illustrated
through computational case studies wherein the role of Texas’ ample renewable feedstock, and
mature chemical production and supply infrastructure in promoting a cost conscious mobility transition
is evaluated. This includes the potential to supplement the energy demands in key domestic
(California, New York) as well as distant (Japan, EU) economies through a multiplicity of energy
vectors such as hydrogen, methanol, and electricity, and transportation modes not limited to ship-
ping, rail, and electricity grids. Additionally, the market for performance materials to realize the
ancillary infrastructure, and the role of extant oil and gas infrastructure is assessed. The trade-offs
between different technology pathways, sensitivity to resource price fluctuations, and contributions
to system expenditure are also elucidated upon.
(California, New York) as well as distant (Japan, EU) economies through a multiplicity of energy
vectors such as hydrogen, methanol, and electricity, and transportation modes not limited to ship-
ping, rail, and electricity grids. Additionally, the market for performance materials to realize the
ancillary infrastructure, and the role of extant oil and gas infrastructure is assessed. The trade-offs
between different technology pathways, sensitivity to resource price fluctuations, and contributions
to system expenditure are also elucidated upon.