Thermodynamically‐based response time as controllability indicator in heat exchanger networks

Abstract

AbstractRecently, research and development has focused on how to integrate process design and process control, considering that the most outstanding process design does not always result in the best dynamic performance, involving plant controllability. A steady‐state controllability and resiliency analysis provides useful information for the assessment of heat exchanger networks (HEN) and requires less work than the dynamic analysis. In the interests of obtaining the best balance between process integration and controllability, a thermodynamic analysis from the dissipative point of view can be a starting point. This paper presents a simultaneous approach for finding controllability and economic goals in early stages of process design. An index based on response time is obtained, which is a controllability measure of the system. It is applied to a HEN and the results obtained are compared with known controllability and resiliency measures tools on steady state, showing consistency. The proposed methodology serves as a starting point for controllability evaluation, making it possible to relate the stages of process control and design.