On a new method of investigating large technological systems—I: Theory

Abstract

The system under investigation is treated as a network of material currents, to which the network equations obtained by generalization of the laws of electrical networks are valid. These equations can be stated with knowledge of the topological relations of the technological scheme and the equilibrium state functions of the individual apparatuses, and can be given in the form of algol procedures. Solution of the non-linear equation system, which is served by a process derived from the Newton-Rapson method gives values of the material currents, pressures, temperatures and concentrations in the single branches of the network. The method furnishes the state characteristics of the technological equipment in the function of the setting values of the control organs, and hence serve principally for solution of control and optimization objectives.