Exergoeconomic optimization applied to the LNG regasification process integrated into an air separation plant

摘要

Natural gas has an important role in the energy sector. This is underlined by the increased share of natural gas on the total primary energy supply from 16% to 21% during the period from 1973 until 2015 [1]. In the year 2014, the amount of traded LNG was approximately 241 MT, which increased to 254 MT and 258 MT in 2015 and 2016, respectively [2]. Thus, the trade of LNG increased by 7% during the last three years, which underlines the important role of LNG as well [2]. In 2016, LNG was imported by 35 countries (at present, Qatar is the dominating exporting country with 30% of the globally traded LNG) and exported by 18 countries [2].