Superstructure-based MINLP formulation for synthesis of re-circulating cooling-water networks with intermediate mains

Abstract

A novel superstructure-based MINLP formulation is proposed for the synthesis of cooling water networks with intermediate mains. The proposed mathematical model considers the generic problem confronted in the design of a recirculating cooling-water system, including stretching the cooler network design and setting the operation constraints. Besides the original design items, this research probes into how the number of intermediate cooling-water mains influences the performance of a recirculating cooling-water system. We also study how the conditional direct connections between cooling units can decrease the consumption of the recirculating cooling-water with a little sacrifice of pipeline complexity. Typical representative examples are presented to demonstrate the viability of proposed superstructure-based MINLP formulation. Supported by the results of computer analysis, the network superstructure and its design scheme can effectively accomplish the goal of unraveling the design problem of the recirculating cooling-water system with intermediate cooling-water mains, and proffering the optimal structure in designing the recirculating cooling-water systems. Copyright ? 2007 The Society of Chemical Engineers, Japan.