Universities and Research Institutions

Background information on the Pinch method, the Center at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts and the PinCH software

In complex energy systems with high thermal energy demand, such as industrial processes, wellness facilities, and hospitals, it is challenging to maintain an overview and develop coordinated measures for efficiency improvement. The Pinch Method is a systematic approach to holistically optimize such systems.

Development of the Pinch Method

The Pinch method was originally developed starting in the 1970s and was successfully applied in continuously operated plants in the petroleum and chemical industry. Over time, the method has been refined, allowing for the analysis and optimization of discontinuous plants as well. The method serves as a tool to design measures in the areas of process-integrated heat recovery, waste heat utilization, integration of storage systems, and optimization of energy supply (e.g., using heat pump technology and renewable energies).

Application in Complex Problem Solving

The results of a pinch analysis provide important insights into the decarbonization (Roadmap to Decarbonization, Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)) of complex thermal systems, thermal networking of entire areas, waste heat utilization, and also in relation to ensuring the energy supply.

Center for Process Integration/Pinch Analysis

The Pinch Initiative of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) is an important part of Switzerland's national energy strategy for 2050 and a complementary measure to increase energy efficiency and reduce CO₂ emissions in the Swiss industry. The goal of the Pinch Initiative is to systematically identify economic energy-saving potential in production companies and translate it into concrete measures. With the support of the SFOE, a national center for process integration/pinch analysis has been operated at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts since 2010 and later at La Haute École d'Ingénierie et de Gestion du Canton de Vaud. In addition to distributing and further developing the PinCH software, the center is actively involved in spreading the Pinch philosophy, training and further educating Pinch experts, and supporting companies.

Development of the PinCH Software

The development of the PinCH software began at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts in 2008. The aim was to develop user-friendly software for cost-effective and targeted implementation of the classic pinch analysis. After the market launch of PinCH 1.0 in 2010, the software has been continuously supplemented with additional functionalities for analyzing discontinuous processes, using energy conversion systems, accessing substance data, and conceptually integrating storage systems correctly. With all these features, PinCH software is unique worldwide.

PinCH software is also an excellent tool for education and use in further training courses. Due to the easy handling of the software, clear graphical representations, and extensive programmed assistance, users can quickly become familiar with the software and independently work on practical case studies or their own projects in courses or classes. This approach enables practical relevance in a lecture or other training course setting. The software also helps participants better understand the theoretical concepts of the method.