Abstract

This thesis presents an innovative approach to the escalating global issue of waste tire accumulation, focusing on the design and development of a novel waste tire (WT) electrified gasification process for methanol production. The proposed solution addresses the environmental impacts of existing recycling methods and offers a greener alternative. The study involves a comparative analysis of two primary processes: the conventional waste tire (WT-Conventional) and the proposed waste tire electrified (WT-Electrified) pathways. These processes are designed and simulated using AspenPlus software to ensure accuracy and feasibility.
A comprehensive techno-economic analysis is conducted for both processes, providing an in-depth understanding of their economic viability. Furthermore, this research expands its scope by implementing a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) performed through OpenLCA software. The LCA results not only facilitate a comparison between different electricity generation sources but also benchmark the proposed pathway against other conventional routes for methanol production.
The research findings reveal promising results for the WT-Electrified process. Key performance indicators such as thermal efficiency, CO2 emissions, and economic analysis demonstrate its potential superiority over the conventional counterpart. This thesis underscores the potential of the WT-Electrified gasification process as an environmentally-friendly and economically viable solution for waste tire management. It provides a solid foundation for further exploration and refinement, paving the way towards a more sustainable future.