Polygeneration and efficient use of natural resources

The consumption of natural resources has been increasing continuously during recent decades, due to the growing demand caused by both the economic and the demographic rise of global population. Environmental overloads that endanger the survival of our civilization and the sustainability of current l...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Energy (Oxford) 2009-05, Vol.34 (5), p.575-586
Main Authors: Serra, Luis M., Lozano, Miguel-Angel, Ramos, Jose, Ensinas, Adriano V., Nebra, Silvia A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Economic data
Electric energy
Energy
Energy economics
Energy efficiency
Energy policy
Exact sciences and technology
General, economic and professional studies
Polygeneration
Process integration
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Summary:The consumption of natural resources has been increasing continuously during recent decades, due to the growing demand caused by both the economic and the demographic rise of global population. Environmental overloads that endanger the survival of our civilization and the sustainability of current life support systems are caused by the increased consumption of natural resources—particularly water and energy—which are essential for life and for the socio-economic development of societies. While not yet well utilized, process integration and polygeneration are promising tools which reach the double objective of increasing the efficiency of natural resources, and also minimizing the environmental impact. This paper discusses the concepts of polygeneration and energy integration and various examples of polygeneration systems: (i) sugar and energy production in a sugarcane factory; (ii) district heating and cooling with natural gas cogeneration engines and (iii) combined production of water and energy. It is clearly evident that polygeneration systems which include appropriate process integration significantly increase the efficient use of natural resources.
ISSN:0360-5442
DOI:10.1016/j.energy.2008.08.013