W.S.G. Isaac Newton

Innovating for Apollo’s Energy Vision: A Strategic Assessment

Loreen Oddo

Keywords: Residual heat, Carbon Emissions Reduction, Payback Period, Sustainability Solution

This study evaluates technologies for space heating, ventilation, and low-pressure steam generation, emphasizing practicality and real-world applicability. Initial selection, guided by a literature review, led to the analysis of plate heat exchangers, finned-tube heat exchangers, and heat pumps based on payback period and CO2 reduction potential.

Results show that a plate heat exchanger for space heating and a finned-tube heat exchanger for ventilation offer significant economic advantages, with payback periods of 2 to 3 years and a net CO2 reduction of 39,000 kg. In contrast, a heat pump for low-pressure steam generation has a shorter payback period of 0.6 years but contributes to a net increase of 74,000 kg in CO2 emissions annually. The study recommends integrating a plate heat exchanger and a finned-tube heat exchanger, yielding substantial annual savings of 279,000 euros. Despite an investment cost of 596,000 to 698,000 euros, the payback period is estimated at 2 to 2.5 years, contributing to a net reduction of 78,000 kg of CO2 emissions annually.

Non-energy benefits include improved indoor air quality, operational flexibility, and a commitment to technological innovation and long-term resilience. The report emphasizes the importance of aligning technological choices with environmental sustainability within the broader energy vision. The recommended configuration represents a strategic decision to prioritize sustainability over the shorter payback period of the heat pump.

In the final proposed configuration, a plate heat exchanger and a finned-tube heat exchanger seamlessly integrate, addressing space heating and ventilation requirements. The system not only yields substantial annual savings but also contributes to a significant annual reduction of 78,000 kg of CO2 emissions, demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability.

The study serves as a practical guide for decision-makers seeking energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions, showcasing the holistic benefits of the recommended configuration.

November 23, 2023