Simultaneous optimisation of energy recovery and water recirculation in a ceramic plant

The ongoing energy crisis and water shortages occurring in many EU Member countries have reinforced the importance of the achievement of the aims associated to sustainability policies. In this work, a non-linear programming (NLP) model developed with the Python language for the virtual implementation in a ceramic plant of a Water and Energy Integration System (WEIS). This is an innovative process integration and system retrofitting-based concept aiming for simultaneous energy efficiency improvement and water minimisation in industry. A set of indicators were assessed in post-processing for the results obtained to the ceramic plant WEIS project, namely a payback period of about 1 year and 4 months and an emission reduction level of 2.97 kton CO2, eq/year. These are highly favourable compared to industrial benchmarks. The developed optimisation model is part of a research & development initiative designated ThermWatt, set to create a customised computational tool for water, energy and waste management in end-use sectors and an Engineering consultancy service around it.