A Rigorous MINLP Model for the Optimal Synthesis
and Operation of Utility Plants
J.C. Bruno, F. Fernández, F. Castells
Dept. Enginyería Química, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (Tarragona)
I.E.Grossmann
Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, USA)
Transactions of the Institution of Chemical Engineers vol. 76, Part A, pp. 246-258, March 1998.
ABSTRACT
This paper presents a mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model for
performing structural and parameter optimization of utility plants that satisfy
given electrical, mechanical and heating demands of industrial processes. In this
model nonlinear equations are extensively used for the cost of equipment and
for the plant performance in terms of enthalpies, entropies and efficiencies.
The proposed approach allows for the simultaneous optimization of the
configuration, and selection of flowrates, enthalpies and steam turbine
efficiencies. All major conventional utility plant equipment are included in the
superstructure for the MINLP model. The proposed approach is not only useful for
synthesis, but also for analyzing different design alternatives. The model
has been implemented in the computer package STEAM, and several applications
are reported to illustrate the program capabilities, including a comparison
with a simplified MILP model.
