Eco-efficiency analysis and intensification of the biodiesel production process through vapor recompression strategy

Biodiesel production has increased worldwide with the potential for developing renewable and sustainable energy technologies and its intensification using a vapor recompression strategy is studied in this paper. The conventional process design and the proposed intensification were designed by computer simulation in UniSim Software. A utility plant with cooling water and steam generation sections was also considered for more accurate results regarding water consumption, CO2 emissions, and utility costs. Finally, in order to establish an overall means for performance analysis, such indicators were grouped in a joint evaluation approach using the Comparative Eco-Efficiency Index. The vapor recompression technology applied to biodiesel production from waste cooking oil proved to be a convenient strategy since it significantly improved the original process performance, with reductions of 65.9% in water consumption, 68.4% in CO2 emissions, 56.6% in utility costs, and consequently increased the process' eco-efficiency by 86.9%. This is in accordance with the United Nations' sustainable development goals as well as improves the competitiveness of biodiesel on the market.

Automated summary

The study investigates the vapor recompression strategy for biodiesel production, which contributes to the development of renewable and sustainable energy technologies. Computer simulation was used to design both the conventional and enhanced process, considering the impact of cooling water and steam generation on water consumption, CO2 emissions, and utility costs. The results show that the vapor recompression technology significantly improves the process performance, reducing water consumption by 65.9%, CO2 emissions by 68.4%, and utility costs by 56.6%, resulting in an 86.9% increase in eco-efficiency. This aligns with the United Nations' sustainable development goals and enhances the competitiveness of biodiesel in the market.