Systems Engineering for Renewable Energy: Novel Approaches for New Problems

Christos T. Maravelias, PhD
Princeton University

Abstract: We discuss how process systems engineering (PSE) studies can facilitate the development of novel strategies for the production of renewable fuels and chemicals.  Importantly, we show how PSE can be used to identify technological and economic drivers, and, ultimately, guide future research efforts. After an overview of the methods used for these studies, we discuss the synthesis and analysis of two broad classes of strategies: (1) biomass-to-fuels/chemicals systems and (2) systems that employ solar energy for power and fuels generation. Finally, we discuss how the synthesis of integrated renewable energy systems leads, naturally, to new types of problems for which traditional approaches are insufficient; and outline progress towards the development of novel methods to address these challenges.