TY - JOUR
AU - Samanta Weber
AU - Dirk Volta
AU - Jürgen Kuck
AB - This study applies the Physical Optimum (PhO) as a reference value to rate the efficiency
of two technical options for the oxygen supply of a hospital. The systematic comparison of the alternative
processes using the PhO as a benchmark for the minimum input (exergy in this case) required
to run a process with a certain benefit allows to determine the potential for optimization of
each technology. Differences are analyzed by visualizing the losses of each individual production
step in a process as well as by the resulting overall energy demand, including the primary energy.
Possible alternatives are purchasing liquid oxygen from a cryogenic process or the production by
means of Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) on site. The cryogenic production shows a lower exergy
demand even though it also has a higher potential for optimization. Yet, the total losses, significantly
impacted by the unavoidable transportation, sum up, resulting in the conclusion that the PSA is the
preferable option overall, considering energy aspects. Finally, additional criteria such as economic,
legal, and structural consequences of the respective choices are briefly outlined.
BT - Energies
CY - online
DA - 03/2022
DO - https://doi.org/10.3390/en15051855 
IS - 5
N2 - This study applies the Physical Optimum (PhO) as a reference value to rate the efficiency
of two technical options for the oxygen supply of a hospital. The systematic comparison of the alternative
processes using the PhO as a benchmark for the minimum input (exergy in this case) required
to run a process with a certain benefit allows to determine the potential for optimization of
each technology. Differences are analyzed by visualizing the losses of each individual production
step in a process as well as by the resulting overall energy demand, including the primary energy.
Possible alternatives are purchasing liquid oxygen from a cryogenic process or the production by
means of Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) on site. The cryogenic production shows a lower exergy
demand even though it also has a higher potential for optimization. Yet, the total losses, significantly
impacted by the unavoidable transportation, sum up, resulting in the conclusion that the PSA is the
preferable option overall, considering energy aspects. Finally, additional criteria such as economic,
legal, and structural consequences of the respective choices are briefly outlined.
PB - MDPI
PP - online
PY - 2022
EP - 22
T2 - Energies
TI - Comparison of the Energetic Efficiency of Gas Separation Technologies Using the Physical Optimum by the Example of Oxygen Supply Options
UR - https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/15/5/1855
VL - Energies 15
ER -