Efficient multiperiod heat exchanger network synthesis using a meta-heuristic approach

• Published in: Energy (Oxford) Vol. 142; pp. 356 - 372
• Main Authors: Pavão, Leandro V., Miranda, Camila B., Costa, Caliane B.B., Ravagnani, Mauro A.S.S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2018; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: case studies; Computer simulation; Fireworks; Heat; Heat exchangers; Heuristic; Heuristic methods; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical programming; Meta-heuristics; Multiperiod heat exchanger networks; Network synthesis; Optimization; Simulated annealing; Solvers; Studies; system optimization; Multiperiod heat exchanger networks; Optimization; Meta-heuristics
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2017.09.147
• ISSN: 0360-5442

Multiperiod heat exchanger networks (HEN) are required in plants with seasonal alterations to operating conditions. Like for single-period HEN, the synthesis of multiperiod HEN can be formulated as a mathematical programming optimization problem. However, since the network needs to feasibly perform heat integration under different process conditions, additional constraints are required and problem complexity is increased. Studies on the subject based on mathematical programming often use deterministic approaches and rely on commercial solvers. In this work, a meta-heuristic two-level method based on Simulated Annealing and Rocket Fireworks Optimization (SA-RFO), originally developed for single-period HEN synthesis, is adapted to handle multiperiod HEN optimization. A new post-optimization (PO) strategy is coupled with the main method in order to improve the results. Four case studies are investigated and results are compared to the literature. The solutions achieved presented lower total annual costs (TAC) than those obtained by other methods and the new PO scheme was able to significantly improve the results. •A new method for multiperiod heat exchanger networks synthesis is proposed.•A hybrid meta-heuristic approach is used to solve the problem.•A post-optimization strategy is coupled with the method.•Required to available area ratios achieved were rather high in all periods.•The configurations found present lower costs than those of literature.