PRO-TEM Network: Process Industry Thermal Energy Management Network

提出了一个新的网络，将重点放在过程工业的能源效率改进机会上。过程工业是能源的重要用户，虽然近年来许多过程系统已经优化，但在现有工厂操作和未来工厂的设计中，有机会提高热能的有效利用。迄今为止，大多数流程都是在“独立”的基础上进行优化的。然而，有效利用热能需要一种不同的方法，因为提高效率的机会、知识和动机可能来自工厂或运营它的公司内外。因此，未来成功的效率发展必须是合作性的，因此必须以全面和有效的方式处理联网方面的问题。该网络将与工业界、学术界、政府（国家和地方）和非政府组织建立密切联系和合作，以支持能源回收最大化、工厂效率提高、减少二氧化碳排放和使用更清洁、更安全的燃料来源。产出将包括建立一个可持续的网络、开发一个网络网站、资源库、论坛小组进行战略讨论、一份关于重大挑战的报告（该报告将确定长期研究远景和未来需求分析）和一份最后报告。该网络将通过一系列行业和研究人员论坛、会议、短期课程和沙坑来运作。该网络将由纽卡斯尔大学管理，主要参与者将包括谢菲尔德大学和曼彻斯特大学以及廷德尔中心。工业界也将通过指导委员会的代表在网络管理中发挥关键作用。技术和非技术问题的传播和知识转让对网络的运作至关重要。

A new network is proposed which will focus on energy efficiency improvements opportunites in the process industry. The process industry is a substantial user of energy and whilst many process systems have been optimised in recent years, there is an opportunity to improve the efficient use of thermal energy in existing plant operation and the design of future plants. To date most processes have been optimised on a 'stand-alone' basis. However, the efficient use of thermal energy requires a different approach as opportunities, knowledge and motivation to improve efficiencies are likely to be both within and outside the plant or company who operates it. Therefore successful future efficiency developments must be collaborative and consequently the networking aspect must be addressed in a comprehensive and effective manner. The network will forge close links and work with industry, academia, government (national and local) and NGOs to support the maximisation of energy recovery, plant efficiency improvements, reduce CO2 emissions and use of cleaner, more secure fuel sources. Outputs will include the establishment of a sustainable network, development of a network website, repository of resources, forum groups for strategic discussion, a report on Grand Challenges which will identify a long term research vision and future needs analysis and a final report. The network will operate via a series of industry and researcher forums, conferences, short courses and sandpits. The network will be managed by Newcastle University and key participants will include Sheffield and Manchester Universities and the Tyndall Centre. Industry will also play a key role in the network management through Steering Committee representation. Dissemination and knowledge transfer of both technical and non-technical issues will be of paramount importance to the network's operation.