Multi-period Optimization Model for the UAE Power Sector

AbstractA multi-period power optimization model for the UAE's electricity sector is presented. The model aims to minimize the cumulative costs and CO2 emission of the UAE's power sector during the planning horizon. The optimization problem was formulated as a multi-period MILP model in the GAMS modelling system. Previous studies have analyzed the UAE power infrastructure using standard simulation software such as MARKAL and MESSAGE. The present work's novelty consists of determining the optimal evolution of the power generation infrastructure during different time periods under operational and environmental constraints. The optimization model was used to study the UAE's power system for the time periods comprised between the years 2015 and 2040. The simulation results show that the mathematical model is a valuable tool for planning the optimal evolution of the power plants’ fleet in the country, reduce levelized electricity costs and emissions, meet energy targets, and evaluate new power technologies

Optimization Model for Sustainable End-of-Life Vehicle Processing and Recycling

The aim of this paper is to provide a mathematical programming model for sustainable end-of-life vehicle processing and recycling. Environmental benefits and resource efficiency are achieved through the incorporation of a processing and recycling network that is based on industrial symbiosis whereby waste materials are converted into positive environmental externalities aimed at decreasing pollution and reducing the need for raw materials. A mixed-integer programming model for optimizing the exchange of material flows in the network is developed and applied on a real case study. The model selects the components that maximize reusable/recyclable material output while minimizing network costs. In addition, GHG emissions are calculated to assess the environmental benefits of the network. The model finds the optimal processing routes while maximizing the yield of the components of interest, maximizing profit, minimizing cost, or minimizing waste depending on which goals are chosen. The results are analyzed to provide insights about the network and the utility of the proposed methodology to improve sustainability of end-of-life vehicle recycling

Tapping Singular Middle Eastern Ultrasour Gas Resources Combining Membrane and Absorption Systems: Potential for Energy Intensity Reduction

A process design and techno-economic analysis is proposed for sweetening ultrasour natural gas containing over 20% H₂S and 30% total acid gases using a hybrid scheme approach. This type of gas resource is unique and can only be found in the Middle East. The hybrid scheme combines membrane and amine gas absorption systems. The study was made on the basis of process simulations and sensitivity analyses to find the most suitable process design and operating parameters using the software ProMax. A Pebax-based membrane module(s) is used as the primary sweetening method, whereas gas absorption is applied to meet the final gas product specifications. The hybrid scheme is benchmarked against the current stand-alone absorption system used to process this rare type of gas. It was found that the gas sweetening energy intensity can be substantially reduced using the hybrid scheme and be more cost-effective than conventional stand-alone absorption units for treating Middle Eastern ultrasour natural gas

An integrated electric vehicle network planning with economic and ecological assessment: Application to the incipient middle Eastern market in transition towards sustainability

The acceptance of electric vehicles (EVs) is attaining momentum as a cleaner alternative to internal combustion vehicles. Two of the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) key priorities are infrastructure expansion and environmental sustainability. Hence, the government has proposed the incorporation of EVs into the transportation network to minimize fossil fuel depletion and energy subsidies. This study proposes a power supply chain network model for EVs accounting for upstream and downstream components. The goal is meeting a region’s power demand following environmental and operating restrictions. The power supply chain is represented using an integer linear program (MILP) model in a multi-period fashion. The UAE’s capital was taken as case study for the time period 2020 to 2030. The outcomes suggest natural gas electricity still dominates, nonetheless at a smaller degree, while near 660 charging points are required to meet the demand of almost 16,000 EVs by 2030

Implementing Power-to-Gas to provide green hydrogen to a bitumen upgrader

Summary Hydrogen is an important commodity in the processing of intermediate bitumen products into a finished petroleum product and for upgrading bitumen into synthetic crude. With the continued extraction of bitumen-rich material from Alberta's oil sands project, there is an opportunity to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of upgrading and refining operations by using electrolytically produced hydrogen in place of hydrogen produced by steam methane reformation. Recently, a bitumen upgrading facility had been proposed for the city of Sarnia, Ontario because of its pre-existing petroleum processing infrastructure. Using the Ontario electrical system, which has a lower emissions factor than Alberta, the use of electrolytic hydrogen could result in a significant reduction of greenhouse gasses. In this paper, the objective is to determine an optimal system configuration for reducing greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining a low system cost. The analysis is performed with General Algebraic Modelling System tool, a mixed-integer linear optimization in addition to a simple model in Visual Basic. For each case, an economic and environmental analysis is performed including the use of cap-and-trade values for the price of carbon emissions, which are applied to determine the overall economic impact of the emissions reductions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd