Optimizing the configuration, size and operating conditions of an industrial utility plant.

JUAN I. MANASSALDI; NICOLÁS J. SCENNA; SERGIO F. MUSSATI

Buenos Aires

Congreso; VII Congreso Argentino de Ingeniería Química; 2015

Asociación Argentina de Ingeniero Químicos

This paper deals with the optimal synthesis and design of industrial utility plants. A MINLP mathematical model of a superstructure that embeds numerous alternative configurations for the HRSG and steam turbines is proposed for simultaneous optimization. The main discrete decisions are the number of heat economizers, evaporators, super-heaters, pumps and steam turbines and the way of how they should be connected. Logical propositions are used to model each of the discrete decisions. On the other hand, the main continuous decisions are the dimensions and operating conditions of economizers, evaporators, superheaters, condenser, steam turbines and pumps. The requirements of steam and power are the main model parameters and are specified by the user. The minimization of the fuel consumption is proposed as the objective function. Optimization results are discussed in detail. The obtained results demonstrate that the proposed model can provide an optimal HRSG and steam turbine networks for utility plants when the optimization problems involving the objective function mentioned earlier is investigated. The capability and effectiveness of the proposed MINLP model are demonstrated by three different case studies.