Techno-Economic Analysis of Electrified Ethylene Plant Operation under Receding Horizon Control

As electric power generation further decarbonizes, electrification (replacing direct fossil fuel devices with electric ones) of end-use loads in the grid can result in significant decreases in emissions. The chemical industry represents both an enormous opportunity and challenge for electrification. In this paper, we consider these electrified plants (with a focus on ethylene production) and analyze how receding horizon control, in conjunction with different forms of storage (feedstock storage, battery storage, and product storage) can assist these plants. In particular, we compare the case where the plant owner is purchasing electricity and chemicals under a time-varying pricing framework, versus under predetermined purchase agreements, and show how storage and control can lower costs for the plant.