A Literature Review on Existing Methods and Indicators for Evaluating the Efficiency of Power-to-X Processes

Abstract

The challenges posed by climate change have prompted significant growth in efficiency evaluation and optimization research, especially in recent years. This has spawned a variety of heterogeneous methods and approaches to the assessment of technical processes. These methods and approaches are rarely comparable and are usually only applicable to specific sectors. This paper provides an overview of the literature on efficiency assessment methods and KPIs, leading to a more manageable selection of an appropriate method with special regard to energy system integration technologies. In addition to reviewing the literature systematically, this paper examines existing methods and indicators’ applicability to and significance for efficiency optimization. In this context, a holistic approach to process design, evaluation, and improvement is given with particular regard to power-to-X systems. Within the framework of the study, three overarching goals could be defined as levels of efficiency evaluation of power-to-X systems: 1. identification of the process (steps) with the most significant optimization potential, 2. identification of the process phases with the greatest optimization potential (timewise considered), and 3. derivation of specific recommendations for action for the improvement of a process. For each of these levels, the most suitable evaluation methods were identified. While various methods, such as life cycle assessment and physical optimum, are particularly suitable for Level 1 and Level 2, for Level 3, even the best-identified methods have to be extended on a case-by-case basis. To address this challenge, a new approach to a holistic evaluation of power-to-X systems was developed based on the study’s findings.