8) Synthesis and optimization methods applied on thermal projects
The use of Mathematical Programming applied on thermal design allows the optimal sizing of thermal
equipment, as well as equipment parts, in order to seek for better integration between the equipment
and its surroundings, such as in industrial process units and/or utilities.
The main objective is to compliyng thermal demands with the lowest cost for the equipment. Such cost
can be assessed in several ways, from simple through raw material accounting, or in a more detailed
analysis, through the smallest life cycle cost, or even through a differential cash flow analysis.
When there are more than one concern besides costs, multi-objective optimization can be used.
The employed techniques can be: exhaustive simulations, non-linear programming, or evolutionary
algorhythms such as the Particle Swarm optimization or Genectic Algorithm.
The use of such techniques in a thermal project demands the development and implementation of thermal
models specifically prepared for optimization techniques.
Publications: BORGES, T. P. F.; MANTELLI, M. B. H.; PERSSON, L. G. Techno-economic Optimization of Thermossyphon Heat Exchangers Design Using Mathematical Programming. In: 14th International Heat Pipe Conference, 2007, Florianópolis.
BORGES, T. P. F.; MANTELLI, M. B. H.; PERSSON, L. G. Tradeoff Between Prices and Pressure Losses for Thermosyphon Heat Exchangers. In: 39th AIAA Thermophysics Conference, Miami, FL, June 25-28, 2007.
