Multi-objective synthesis of work and heat exchange networks: Optimal balance between economic and environmental performance

Onishi, Viviani C.; Ravagnani, Mauro A.S.S.; Jim�nez, Laureano; Caballero, Jos� A.

Abstract

Sustainable and efficient energy use is crucial for lessening carbon dioxide emissions in industrial plants. This paper introduces a new multi-objective optimization model for the synthesis of work and heat exchange networks (WHENs), aiming to obtain the optimal balance between economic and environmental performance. The proposed multistage superstructure allows power and thermal integration of process gaseous streams, through the simultaneous minimization of total annualized cost (TAC) and environmental impacts (EI). The latter objective is determined by environmental indicators that follow the life cycle assessment (LCA) principles. The WHEN superstructure is optimized as a multi-objective mixed-integer nonlinear programming (moMINLP) model and solved with the GAMS software. Results show a decrease of ∼79% in the heat transfer area and ∼32% in the capital cost between the solutions found for single problem optimizations. These results represent a diminution of ∼23.5% in the TAC, while EI is increased in ∼99.2%. As these solutions can be impractical for economic or environmental reasons, we present a set of alternative Pareto-optimal solutions to support decision-makers towards the implementation of more environment-friendly and cost-effective WHENs.

Citation

Onishi, V. C., Ravagnani, M. A., Jiménez, L., & Caballero, J. A. (2017). Multi-objective synthesis of work and heat exchange networks: Optimal balance between economic and environmental performance. Energy Conversion and Management, 140, 192-202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2017.02.074

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 23, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Apr 2, 2017
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Deposit Date: Oct 9, 2020
• Journal: Energy Conversion and Management
• Print ISSN: 0196-8904
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 140
• Pages: 192-202
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2017.02.074
• Keywords: Multi-objective optimization (MOO), Work and heat exchange network (WHEN), Life cycle assessment (LCA), Work and heat integration, Cost analysis
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2690851