Control of fully electrified heat pump assisted distillation process by flash vapor circulation

Journal Article (2025)
Author(s)

Chengtian Cui (Åbo Akademi University)

Xiaodong Zhang (Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

Meng Qi (China University of Petroleum (East China))

A.A. Kiss (TU Delft - ChemE/Process Systems Engineering)

Research Group
ChemE/Process Systems Engineering
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cherd.2025.07.023
More Info
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Publication Year
2025
Language
English
Research Group
ChemE/Process Systems Engineering
Volume number
220
Pages (from-to)
450-460
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Abstract

This study investigates the dynamics and control of a fully electrified heat pump assisted distillation system based on the flash vapor circulation (FVC) concept. The proposed configuration enables complete electrification without auxiliary steam. Two control structures are developed and evaluated in Aspen Dynamics under ± 20 % disturbances in throughput and composition. The first structure CS1 employs single-end temperature control with fixed reflux ratio and demonstrates satisfactory performance in most cases. However, it shows minor deviations in product purity under large composition changes. To address this, a second structure CS2 incorporates an additional composition controller to adjust the reflux ratio, achieving improved purity regulation and energy flexibility. The results confirm the dynamic feasibility and controllability of FVC-based distillation, supporting its integration in future sustainable and flexible separation systems.