In the quest to decarbonize the cement industry, a study led by Riccardo Cremona from the Politecnico di Milano’s Department of Energy has shed new light on the potential of high-temperature heat pumps (HTHPs) to make carbon capture more efficient and cost-effective. Published in the journal “Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage,” the research explores innovative ways to integrate HTHPs into existing cement production processes, offering a promising avenue for reducing the sector’s substantial carbon footprint.
The cement industry is a significant contributor to global CO2 emissions, accounting for around 8% of the total. Post-combustion CO2 capture using monoethanolamine (MEA) is one method to mitigate these emissions, but it’s energy-intensive and costly. Cremona and his team set out to assess the techno-economic viability of integrating HTHPs into this process, aiming to leverage waste heat and improve overall efficiency.
The study evaluated several configurations, including conventional natural gas (NG) boiler setups and innovative HTHP solutions. The most promising configuration emerged as a combination of a mechanical vapor recompression (MVR) system and lean vapor compression (LVC). This setup replaced around 100 MWth of fuel consumption for solvent regeneration with an additional electricity demand of 26.9 MWel, significantly improving energy efficiency.
“The integration of HTHPs offers substantial benefits in terms of energy efficiency and cost competitiveness,” Cremona explained. “Our findings underscore the potential role of HTHPs in helping the decarbonization of the cement sector.”
The research also highlighted the importance of strategic integration. The best-performing configuration with a conventional NG boiler was found to be when the capture plant was integrated upstream of the raw mill, with LVC at a flash pressure of 0.8 bar. This resulted in an incremental cost of clinker of 62.1 €/tclk and a CO2 avoidance cost of 149.6 €/tCO2.
The study’s findings provide valuable insights into the techno-economic trade-offs of integrating carbon capture in cement plants. By demonstrating the viability of HTHPs, the research opens up new possibilities for reducing the energy intensity and costs associated with CO2 capture. This could pave the way for wider adoption of carbon capture technologies in the cement industry and other energy-intensive sectors.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, innovations like these are crucial. They offer a glimpse into a future where industries can operate more sustainably, reducing their carbon footprint without compromising on productivity or profitability. The research by Cremona and his team is a significant step in this direction, providing a roadmap for the energy sector to navigate the complex landscape of decarbonization.