Optimal synthesis of multiperiod heat exchanger networks: A sequential approach

Heat exchanger network (HEN) synthesis is an important research field in industrial processes. It is possible to minimize utilities usage as well as pollutant emissions by an optimal HEN synthesis. In multi period HENs, the same heat transfer devices must be able to operate under different operating conditions. The synthesis of multiperiod HEN can be formulated as an optimization problem. In the present paper it is used a sequential approach to solve the problem of synthesizing multiperiod HEN, considering heat capacities and stream temperatures variations into different operation periods. In this approach, multiperiod HEN synthesis is decomposed into three sequential steps, considering three optimization models. The novelties of the proposed approach are a modification in a well-known superstructure from the literature, with the inclusion of new by-pass streams, and an improvement in the NLP model of the third step. Two benchmark literature examples are studied and the obtained results prove the approach applicability, showing better values and network topologies. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.