Optimization route arrangement: A new concept to achieve high efficiency and quality in heat exchanger network synthesis

Abstract Heuristic algorithms are widely used in the global optimization of heat exchanger network synthesis (HENS). However, since heuristic algorithms are often characterized by a divergent search and a combination of multi-parameters, it is difficult to weigh and balance the global and local search in the process. In existing algorithms, the global and local search weight is commonly fixed during optimization. As a result, the algorithms hardly distribute the structural and continuous variables optimization suitably, sometimes even becoming invalid. Even more so, such algorithms fail to realize functions enhancing the searching ability. Therefore, this paper proposes a new, phased, modular concept that supports functional and sub-functional combinations to timely escape the stagnant status and obtain satisfying solutions with high efficiency and high quality. The concept's main goal is to achieve flexible combining and sequencing of different functions during the optimization process. Hence, the optimization route arrangement emphasizes the functions’ distribution, which differs from the sequential methods decomposing the whole problem. Each route's components are not unique, and the structure's current needs can change the modules’ sequences and categories. Such coordination of modules improves the algorithm's exploration and exploitation abilities, enabling the proposed method to attain better results within less computational time and rendering. Therefore, the proposed method is more suitable in large-scale HENS owing to much local optima involved in cases. Three cases are used to demonstrate the proposed routes’ validity, which shows that the optimization route arrangement successfully decreases the total annual cost and improves computational efficiency.