Exploitation of multi-objective optimization in retrofit analysis: A case study for the iron and steel production

Over the past few decades the issues related to the energy consumption and the climate change have been increased and they have achieved a significant position on the sustainability agenda of the steel industry. Steel production is among the largest energy-intensive industrial processes in the world, as well as one of the most important CO₂ emission sources. However, the major role of steel utilisation in the modern society is undeniable. The challenges of industrial energy systems aim at achieving CO₂ minimization, without neglecting energy efficiency as well as the development of effective models and strategies for process optimization. The application of Process Integration (PI) methods to the integrated steelmaking route, aims at achieving a reduction in the CO₂ emission by optimizing material and energy systems. The work presented in this paper is devoted to the development of a model for optimal exploitation of energy resources and by-products in integrated steelworks through application of multi-objective optimisation techniques. Cases of exploitation of the system within the management of the process gases are presented in a retrofit scenario and compared to the case of nominal operation.