Grand Composite Curve

(GCC)
The GCC approach is based on the
same stream data as used in the
composite curves but is a more
appropriate aid for representing the
interface between the process and
utility system.

The grand composite curve provides

the same overall energy target as the
composite curves.
 there are two ways to integrate a heat pump with a
process.
If the pump is located completely above the pinch, it simply
transforms a set amount of power into heat; however this
is never economical.
If it is placed completely below the pinch, the situation is
even worse as work is transformed into waste heat.
The only appropriate way to place a heat pump is across
the pinch, where heat is absorbed below the pinch (net
heat source) and rejected above the pinch (net heat sink)
(as shown in Figure 1).
The performance of the heat pump depends on the
temperature lift; the smaller the lift, the better its
performance.
The relative cost of power to utilities will ultimately dictate
the benefits of integrating a heat pump with the process.