Energy Recovery from LNG (Part 2): Evaluation of Process Flowsheets for the Retrofit of an LNG Regasification facility with a Propane ORC for Power Production
Independent researcher.
Research Article
Open Access Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, 2026, 10(02), 139-153.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjet.2026.10.2.0049
Publication history:
Received on 12 June 2026; revised on 17 June 2026; accepted on 15 June 2026 (AST)
Abstract:
This article is the second article in a series that will examine the opportunities for LNG cold energy recovery. This article uses Key Performance Metrics to evaluate process flowsheets for a power recovery plant containing a propane ORC. DWSIM V9.0.2. was used to simulate the plant using the Peng Robinson 1978 Advanced thermodynamics and Steam tables (IAPWS-IF97) models. Heat exchanger and economics calculations were performed using Python in DWSIM. Seven process flowsheets, with at most one heat integration level in and across each process system, were evaluated against the Key Financial Performance Metrics (KFPMs) and Key Technical Performance Metrics (KTPMs). It is shown in this article that case 5 with the expansion of the LNG after the ORC has the highest Total Annualized Earnings (TAEs). Case 5 has a TAE of 3.55 MUSDy-1 and an LNG ORC Value (LOV) of 3.43 x 10-3 USD per Sm3 LNG. It also has a Plant Electrical Energy Efficiency (PEEE), Plant Exergy Utilization Efficiency (PEUE) and Plant Power Production Density (PPPD) of 14.8 %, 25.4 % and 0.0223 kWh per Sm3 LNG. Case 6 which uses a 2-stage turbine to increase the net power has a TAE and LOV of 3.17 MUSD y-1 and 3.06 x 10-3 USD per Sm3 LNG. While the PEEE, PEUE and PPPD are 15.2 %, 26.6 % and 0.0236 kWh per Sm3 LNG. It is also shown that amongst the flowsheets, expanding the LNG stream results in the greatest recuperation of exergy with a PERR of approximately 0.544.
Keywords:
ORC; LNG; TEA; Cold Energy Use; Process Design; Optimum inter-stage pressure and pressure ratio
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Copyright © 2026 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0