Research Area Manager: Dr.-Ing. Ralph-Uwe Dietrich
The department "Techno-economic Analysis" is concerned with the development and analysis of process engineering processes. The focus is on processes for the production of e-Fuels or alternative fuels as well as processes of the basic industry. The aim is a holistic analysis of the processes in which the technical, economic and ecological aspects are examined.
A main focus of the work is the mapping of the processes with commercial process simulation software such as ASPEN Plus. Based on a detailed understanding of the individual process steps and operating parameters, the energetic efficiency of the overall process is improved through thermal and material integration.
The economic analysis is performed using DLR's own software TEPET. With this software, the investment and operating costs of process engineering processes are determined in a transparent and technology-open manner using a methodology adapted from the chemical industry. For the resulting specific production costs, the relevant key figures are determined and their influencing factors and development potential are quantified by means of sensitivity analyses.
For the ecological analysis, the decisive influencing parameters are identified and evaluation criteria established in accordance with ISO 14040/44 (definition of objectives, life cycle inventory, impact assessment, evaluation). The aim is to provide a transparent basis for comparison of different process concepts as a prerequisite for optimisation.
The holistic and transparent analysis with the three perspectives mentioned above enables a comprehensive evaluation of process engineering processes. This makes it possible, among other things, to establish future energy scenarios of a CO2 neutral society together with project partners.
Research topics and current projects: