Heat Exchanger Network Design Based on the Optimization of Reducible Structure

7 Heat Exchanger Network Design Based on the Optimization of a Reducible Structure 

The approach to heat exchanger network design discussed so far is based on the creation of an irreducible structure. No redundant features were included. Of course, when the network is optimized, some of the features might be removed by the optimization. The scope for the optimization to remove features results from the assumptions made during the creation of the initial structure. However, no attempt was made to deliberately include redundant features. 

An alternative approach is to create a reducible structure that deliberately includes redundant features and then subject this to optimization. Redundant features are then removed by the optimization. 

Alternative superstructures to those in Figs. 16.26 and 16.27 can be developed. On the one hand, it is desirable to include many structural options to ensure that all features which are candidates for an optimal solution have been included. On the other hand, including more and more structural features increases the computational load dramatically. Thus care should be taken not to include unnecessary features in the superstructure. 

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