Developing Sustainable Decarbonised Polygeneration System Concept for the Production of Hydrogen, Chemicals and Energy

Supervisor: Kok Siew Ng

 Background

Polygeneration system is a highly integrated, flexible and robust system design concept that is capable of generating a spectrum of products such as chemicals, fuels, hydrogen, heat and power. This research will consider using organic waste and biomass resources as the feedstock. Unlocking the full potential of utilising organic waste requires consideration of multiple product generation and combining different technologies into hybrid systems. Chemical engineering principles, process integration and intensification techniques are needed in designing the polygeneration system in order to achieve maximum resource efficiency and minimum environmental impact by recovering by-product and waste streams into value-added products. 

What would you expect from this project?

•      Computational modelling: This project will require simulation modelling and optimisation techniques using software such as Aspen Plus, Matlab and GAMS, and will also involve software development using Python.  

•      Sustainability assessment: This research will involve rigorous sustainability assessment including techno-economic analysis and environmental life cycle assessment (LCA). LCA software such as SimaPro is required.

It is anticipated that this research will generate principles and methodologies for designing a complex polygeneration system.

Applicants should have received a First or Upper Second Class honours degree in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry or a similar discipline. Applicants should be highly motivated, able to work independently and in a team, and have good written and verbal communication skills.

Previous studies related to polygeneration systems

1.     Ng, K.S., Martinez-Hernandez, E., 2020. Techno-economic assessment of an integrated bio-oil steam reforming and hydrodeoxygenation system for polygeneration of hydrogen, chemicals, and combined heat and power production, in Towards Sustainable Chemical Processes, J. Ren, Y. Wang, and C. He, (Ed.), p. 69-98, Elsevier. 

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-818376-2.00003-X

2.     Ng, K.S., Martinez Hernandez, E., 2016. A systematic framework for energetic, environmental and economic (3E) assessment and design of polygeneration systems, Chem Eng Res Des, 106: 1-25. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cherd.2015.11.017

3.     Ng, K.S., Zhang, N., Sadhukhan, J., 2013. Techno-economic analysis of polygeneration systems with carbon capture and storage and CO2 reuse. Chem Eng J. 219: 96-108. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2012.12.082