The Pinch Technology and the MIND method are combined in the analysis
of a Swedish refinery. The heat exchanger network of the crude distill
ation system is analysed using the Pinch Technology. The results show
that the steam demand from the boiler units in the energy supply part
of the system can be reduced by 20% in the optimized heat exchanger ne
twork and by 21% when a heat pump is added to the system. A multi-peri
od cost optimization of the operating strategy is performed using the
MIND method. The results from the Pinch analysis are then input to the
MIND optimization. The system cost of the total energy system of the
refinery is optimized with regard to flexibility in the process system
as well as changes of energy costs and the operating conditions of th
e cogeneration unit. The combination of methods shows that significant
capital savings can be achieved when the energy saving potential of t
he process system is integrated in the overall operating strategy of t
he energy system. It is, in this case, possible to compare investments
in energy saving measures to investments in increased steam productio
n capacity.