The PinCH Analysis is a systemic and integrated energy optimization method invented by Dr. Bodo Linnhoff in the 1980s. While it has been widely applied in the petrochemical industry for decades, the Swiss Federal Office of Energy commissioned the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences to develop a user-friendly and practical software for broader applications.e. Luterbach AG now offers PinCH analysis as a service to examine existing systems comprehensively.The method systematically maps thermal energy flows into two characteristic curves known as composite curves. The blue curve represents the heat demand (cold composite curve), while the red curve illustrates the heat supply (hot composite curve). In the overlapping areas, heat recovery becomes feasible. Adjusting the position of the cold composite curve horizontally changes the Pinch Point (minimum temperature difference between the curves), impacting the potential for heat recovery, as well as external heating and cooling requirements.In a process called Super-Targeting, the relationship between the minimum temperature difference and annual costs (investment and energy costs) is calculated. This identifies the optimal minimum temperature difference (∆Tmin, opt) that minimizes the total annual costs of the process.The optimal cooling and heating requirements determined during this analysis are known as energy targets. The next step is designing a system that meets these energy targets from the composite curves while adhering to the optimal temperature difference. This is achieved by coupling streams using heat exchangers.By integrating the entire system – including the plant, building, and peripheral components – maximum energy efficiency can be achieved.From experience, traditional plant builders often struggle with such complex tasks due to a lack of a holistic perspective.At e. Luterbach AG, we bring the expertise needed to address these challenges and deliver optimized solutions for energy efficiency.
