Synthesis of integrated processing clusters

Sustainable development goals imply tight integration of energy and material resources across the processing industry. This translates into a need to identify combinations of conversion processes that together can synergistically convert raw materials and energy resources into value added products. A method for the synthesis of optimal processing clusters is proposed to address this need. A novel problem representation allows to account for any resources and processes through resource lines. Generic process modules interact with resource lines and facilitate conversions of material and/or energy resources. The resulting network representation is the basis for an optimisation problem formulation, the solution of which allows to determine the optimal network of resource inputs, outputs and exchanges together with the existence and capacities of the optimal combination of processes. The method is applied to determine optimal CO₂ utilisation and sequestration clusters with only “green” additional inputs air, water and renewable electricity.