A new approach to entropy production minimization in diabatic distillation column with trays

Previous approach to direct numerical minimization of entropy production in diabatic distillation column in order to determine heat quantity to be exchanged at trays was based on temperatures on trays as control variables and it was applied only to simple binary columns. Also, previously developed theoretical models for determining optimal exchanged heat profile were determined only at such columns and while they were approximated they produced worse results than numerical minimum of entropy production. In this paper, as control variables for minimization, exchanged heat on the trays is used. It enables application to complex multicomponent diabatic columns. Ishii-Otto global method, based on model linearization and iterative solution by Newton-Raphson technique, is applied for solving column mathematical model. Needed thermodynamical properties for ideal systems are calculated using Lewis-Randall ideal solution model, and for non-ideal slightly polar systems they are calculated using Soave equation of state. Five direct methods are used for numerical optimization. Applied approach is successfully demonstrated at frequently used example of distillation of benzene and toluol mixture by using for these purposes specially written program. Simplex method appeared to be the most convenient optimization method for the considered problem.