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Energy systems and manufacturing processes of the 21st century are becoming increasingly dynamic and interconnected, which require new capabilities to effectively model and optimize their design and operations. Such next generation computational tools must leverage state-of-the-art techniques in optimization and be able to rapidly incorporate new advances. To address these requirements, we have developed the Institute for the Design of Advanced Energy Systems (IDAES) Integrated Platform, which builds on the strengths of both process simulators (model libraries) and algebraic modeling languages (advanced solvers). This paper specifically presents the IDAES Core Modeling Framework (IDAES-CMF), along with a case study demonstrating the application of the framework to solve process optimization problems. Capabilities provided by this framework include a flexible, modifiable, open-source platform for optimization of process flowsheets utilizing state-of-the-art solvers and solution techniques, fully open and extensible libraries of dynamic unit operations models and thermophysical property models, and integrated support for superstructure-based conceptual design and optimization under uncertainty.

Highlights: [•] The post-combustion CO2 capture performances of three amine solvents were compared. [•] DEA has potential for lower energy penalty and capital cost than 11mol% MEA and AMP. [•] There are tradeoffs in capital cost and energy penalty in CO2 capture processes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The long term sustainability of fossil energy systems depends on reducing their carbon footprint and freshwater consumption. Much of the United States is or will be experiencing water shortages in the near future. Since power generation accounts for about a third of all freshwater use, reducing freshwater requirements will be of increasing importance. In addition, recent reports indicate that adding a carbon capture system may double water consumption. Thus, when designing a carbon capture and compression system, it is important to consider not only the direct costs, but also the increased environmental burden associated with increased freshwater requirements. To address these interrelated sustainability issues, a modular framework for multi-objective analysis was developed and demonstrated by minimizing freshwater consumption and levelized cost of electricity for the retrofit of a hypothetical 550 MW subcritical pulverized coal power plant with an MEA-based carbon capture and compression system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]