Decarbonizing Heat: The Power of Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR)
As regions around the globe strive to transition from fossil fuel-based energy systems to those that prioritize zero- to-low carbon emissions, innovative technologies are leading the change. One such technology making waves in the industrial sector is Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR).
MVR has been a common technology in process plants for decades, allowing us to recover energy from distillation and evaporation systems. By compressing gases, we can elevate the temperature of waste heat streams that would otherwise go unused. This not only enhances energy efficiency but also contributes significantly to our decarbonization efforts.
With a Coefficient of Performance (COP) ranging from ~1 to 6, MVR systems can maximize the use of both sensible and latent heat.
System Design
The most straightforward approach to deploying MVR involves directly compressing a waste heat stream. However, due to varied reasons it might be required to add an intermediate cycle to transfer the waste heat stream’s energy via a heat exchanger to another medium. A water-based cycle allows to cool the waste heat stream to ~60°C. Subsequently the vapor is compressed to lift the temperature as described earlier.
Any fluid state either gaseous, liquid, or condensable can be used as heat source for MVR systems.
A single MVR system allows the integration of several waste heat streams and can provide heat to different consumers, thus providing a cost-effective solution.
Cooling capability
When deploying a waste heat recovery heat exchanger, MVR systems offer an added advantage: cooling capacity. This capability not only reduces the load on cooling towers and air coolers but also enhances the overall efficiency of the plant.
One of the standout benefits of MVR is its ability to operate independently of environmental air or water temperatures. This means that plants can rely on MVR systems for consistent and reliable cooling, regardless of external conditions. This reliability is crucial for maintaining optimal operational performance and ensuring process stability.
In a water-based cycle, MVR can cool waste heat streams down to approximately 60°C. However, by utilizing other media, the potential for lower temperature cooling can be significantly extended, offering even greater flexibility for various industrial applications.
Use case
A recent use case investigated an MVR system where waste heat was used to generate steam. Assuming the use of green electricity, the CO2 emissions of the MVR system is virtually zero. Generating the same amount of steam with a gas fired boiler resulted in ~ 100,000t CO2 per year.
Product portfolio for MVR
Typically, Siemens Energy uses Integrally Geared Compressors (IGC) for MVR systems. IGCs are proven technology, providing high efficiency, and high availability and reliability. Currently, the maximum operating temperature is 330°C, and within our development efforts, this limit is moved continuously upwards.
How does your company deal with waste heat recovery and decarbonized heat generation?
For further information on MVR, please see our webinar recording here (https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/4861538/2AA737D7E3CBC51E8C9086A9E0B85B78) or contact us at udo.reckels@siemens-energy.com.
销售总监 - Wuxi Xinjiuyang Pump Industry
6moAs a supplier of centrifugal pumps, some of Xinjiuyang's pumps have a certain application base in MVR system, mainly focusing on transferring mother liquor and condensate. In terms of materials, its fluorine plastic pumps and stainless steel pumps can cover most of the moderately corrosive media to meet the basic corrosion resistance requirements. Performance, in the conventional temperature (<100 ℃) and medium flow rate, head range, the product running stability is fair. However, it should be noted that at high temperatures, high pressures or when higher cavitation resistance is required (e.g., occasions with lower NPSHa), the standard configuration of the new Jiuyang pumps may have certain limitations, and shaft seals, impeller structure and overall rigidity of the design need to be specifically evaluated. Overall, it is suitable for application scenarios in MVR systems where the pump requirements are moderate or above, but not in extremely harsh conditions. For special conditions, it is recommended that further confirmation of suitability be made in conjunction with specific parameters when selecting a model.
Knows a few things on thermodynamics of compressor!
6moAdditionally, We at SE also offer closed loop MVR for low temperature heat recovery!
Part of the O&M team at Siemens Energy S.A.S. in Britanny, FRANCE.
6moThank you for sharing! Can this technology be used on existing gas fired power projects?
Researcher and Innovator Operations & Maintenance Tech & Plant Operator Mechanical engineering designer
6moSubject: An innovative idea to produce electrical energy at the lowest costs and double energy yield.I would like to share with you one of the innovations in electric power generation using GTG gas turbine generators, so as to double production and allow less gas or fuel consumption, save large space, reduce emissions, speed in start-up and quick response to reach maximum power, avoid low efficiency at partial load, reduce fuel consumption, ease of maintenance and service, and continue to produce even if the gas turbines stop for maintenance