Optimization of Process Flowsheets Through Metaheuristic Techniques

1. Basic Concepts

1.1. Process Simulation

1.1.1. Introduction to Process Simulation

1.1.2. Simulation Software

1.1.3. Aspen Plus

1.1.4. Superpro Designer

1.2. Searching Methods

1.2.1. Optimization Definitions

1.2.2. Classification of Searching Methods

1.2.3. Deterministic Algorithms

1.3. Interaction Between Programs

1.3.1. Definitions for the Software Link

1.4. Nomenclature

2. General Methodology to Link Process Simulators to Optimization

2.1. Nomenclature

3. Process Simulation Software

3.1. Using Aspen Plus

3.2. Example Of The Conventional Rankine Cycle

3.3. Using Superpro Designer

3.4. Process Simulation Exercises

4. Stochastic Optimization Methods

4.1. Simulated Annealing

4.2. Genetic Algorithms

4.2.1. Example of Codification

4.2.2. Management of Restrictions

4.3. Using Ga Toolbox of Matlab

4.4. Stochastic Hybrids Algorithms

4.5. Using I-Mode in MS Excel

4.5.1. Main Program Interface

4.5.2. Objectives and Constrains

4.6. Stochastic Optimization Exercises

4.7. Nomenclature

5. Linking Programs

5.1. Introduction to Link Between Process Simulators and Optimization Routines

5.2. Previous Knowledge

5.2.1. MS Excel Configuration

5.2.2. Object Name of the Simulator File

5.3. Link Between Aspen Plus and MS Excel

5.3.1. Sub-Routine to Link Aspen Plus and MS Excel

5.3.2. Files to Link Aspen Plus and MS Excel

5.3.3. Call Name of Aspen Plus Variables

5.4. Link Between Superpro Designer(R) and MS Excel(R)

5.4.1. Sub-Routine to Link Superpro Designer(R) and MS Excel(R)

5.4.2. Files to Link Superpro Designer(R) and MS Excel(R)

5.4.3. Call Name of Superpro Designer Variables

5.5. Link Between MS Excel(R) and Matlab(R)

5.5.1. Sub-Routine to Link MS Excel(R) and Matlab(R)

5.5.2. Files Needed to Link MS Excel(R) and Matlab(R)

5.5.3. Object Name of the Linker Program File

5.5.4. Optimization Parameters Specification In Matlab(R)

5.6. Nomenclature

6. Example of Generation Power Plant

6.1. Problem Statement

6.2. Model Formulation

6.2.1. Model Simulation Using the Aspen Plus(R) Software

6.2.2. Mathematical Formulation

6.2.3. Definition of The Objective Functions

6.2.4. Economic Objective Function

6.2.5. Environmental Objective Function

6.3. Stochastic Optimization Algorithm Used

6.4. Link Between The Process Simulator And Optimization Algorithm

6.5. Results

6.6. Exercises

6.7. Nomenclature

7. Conclusions

8. Bibliography

9. Appendix

a. APPENDIX A: Code for the Link Between Aspen Plus and MS Excel(R)

b. APPENDIX B: Code for the Link Between SuperPro Designer(R) and MS Excel(R)

c. APPENDIX C: Code for the Link Between MS Excel(R) and Matlab(R)