Assessment of Energy Efficiency and Flexibility Measures in Electrified Process Heat Generation Based on Simulations in the Animal Feed Industry

Integrating renewable energy and increasing energy efficiency in generating heat offers the chance to reduce energy consumption and emissions in the industry. One possible solution is the electrification of processes, where the challenge is the fluctuation of renewable energy. At the same time, heat pumps can reduce energy demand but leave little opportunity for flexible operation when optimally integrated. Electric boilers can be operated in a much more grid-serving manner. Still, they are less efficient. Different electrification strategies are simulated and compared with a gas boiler using pinch analysis and Mixed Integer Linear Programming optimisation. At the electricity-gas price ratio considered, electrification increases costs between 26% and 176% while saving up to 39% emissions. By combining flexibility and energy efficiency, the best results could be achieved. They can become economically competitive in the future with a lower electricity-to-gas price ratio and decreasing investment costs.