Pinch Analysis
Challenges in industrial energy optimization
Thermal energy often comprises a large share of total energy demand. To increase energy efficiency, in-process heat recovery is essential.
Objectives and benefits of a Pinch Analysis
Using a pinch analysis, engineers can find the optimal link between the various energy flows with the objective of minimizing the total amount of investment and energy costs. This allows you to derive strategic planning measures for heat recovery (e.g. direct or indirect (integration of storage) and for optimization of the energy supply (e.g. use of energy conversion systems, adjustment of temperature levels of the energy supply, integration of renewable energies). Overall, the potential for reducing primary energy requirements through a pinch analysis can be between 10 and 40 percent.
Areas of application
Areas of application are retrofit, new systems (such as new construction of a factory or expanding production) as well as adapting the infrastructure (for example by replacing heating boilers or refrigeration systems and modernizing ventilation systems) for continuous and discontinuous processes.
