System analysis

System analysis in process engineering provides a structured methodological framework to evaluate and optimize complex industrial processes, especially when considering interactions between multiple units, operational dynamics, and broader regional and geographical contexts.

Component interaction analysis focuses on material and energy integration across reactors, heat exchangers, separation units, and utilities, ensuring efficiency and stability of the overall system. Dynamic operation analysis extends this view by modelling non-steady-state conditions such as load fluctuations, renewable energy and feedstock intermittency, or scheduled and unplanned shutdowns, using tools like dynamic simulation and process control models, e.g., control loops, model predictive methods, etc., to predict and purposefully control system responses.

Furthermore, techno-economic assessments are crucial to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and competitiveness of the investigated processes and systems (capital investment, operational expenditure, production costs of goods manufactured) under different economic scenarios. Finally, geospatial analysis utilizing geographic information systems (GIS) enriches the assessment by mapping regional factors (e.g., feedstock distribution, energy infrastructure, transport networks, etc.) allowing for location-specific optimization and feasibility studies. Through the combination of all described methodological building blocks, system analyses enable robust and decision-oriented evaluations on the component, plant and system level as well as within in regional and national assessment frameworks.

Techno-Economic Assessments of Power-to-Methanol Processes

Methanol is a key basic material in the chemical industry. It serves both as a precursor for a wide range of downstream products and—due to its high specific energy density—as a chemical energy carrier. Sustainable, flexible, and cost-efficient production pathways play a decisive role in transforming the industry. Process simulations make it possible to predict process behavior under varying, fluctuating production scenarios and to assess their economic performance.

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Regional deployment analyses of energy storage based on geological storage of CO₂

The CEEGS (CO₂-based Electrothermal Energy and Geological Storage) concept stores renewable energy by coupling a re­versible CO₂ heat pump cycle with underground reservoirs such as salt ca­verns or aquifers. During charging, renewable electricity compresses CO₂ and the resulting heat is stored; during discharging, this heat is con­verted back into power. Designed to handle strong daily and seasonal fluctuations, CEEGS is evaluated through multi-criteria decision analyses (MCDA) to assess its potential within regional and national energy systems across Europe.

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Dynamic modelling and control of supercritical CO₂ power cycles

The energy supply is shifting from on-demand fossil fuels to intermittent renewables, requiring flexible ­manage­ment and storage solutions. Supercritical CO₂ (sCO₂) power cycles, using compressed CO₂ as heat-transfer medium, are compact, highly efficient, and can operate with any heat source above CO₂’s critical temperature of 31 °C, including stored energy. To meet electricity demand, these systems must enable rapid start-ups, shutdowns, and efficient off-design operation. A dynamic sCO₂ Brayton cycle model with three heat exchangers, a turbine, and a compressor is developed in MATLAB Simulink, and validated using the institute’s experimental facility CARBOSOLA.

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