A robust design method for retrofit of industrial heat exchanger networks using modified stage-wise model

Abstract

For over 20 years, various heat exchanger network (HEN) retrofit methods based on mathematical programming have been studied and proposed. However, determining suitable heat exchanger network retrofit designs for industries still remains a challenge. Most retrofit methods have limitations in terms of computational time and feasibility, and their proposed solutions involve mostly heat exchanger modifications and relocations which could be impractical and uneconomical. To overcome these limitations, this paper presents a robust heat exchanger network retrofit method for industrial applications which relies on mathematical programming under specific retrofit concepts and an effective solving strategy. The retrofit concepts reduce mathematical difficulties and provide heat exchanger networks that are practical for industries. The solving strategy provides a sustainable systematic solving method which guarantees good feasible solutions within a reasonable computational time. Finally, the performance of the proposed heat exchanger network retrofit method is illustrated and compared throughout three various scale examples.