Optimization of the structure and mode of operation of complex heat and mass transfer multicomponent systems

To conduct computational research in the search for effective solutions, adequate models and methods for calculating technological systems are required. Known approaches to modeling heat and mass transfer in multi-stage devices with multicomponent fluids, based on which verification calculations of complex systems can be performed. However, along with the verification calculation, the necessity of carrying out design calculations often arises, during which the tasks of increasing the efficiency of the functioning of such systems are solved. The formulation of optimization problems of choosing the optimal structure and operating mode of heat and mass transfer plants and their use in performing design calculations is an urgent task facing the energy sector and related industries. To simulate heat and mass transfer systems, the matrix equations of mass and energy balance are used, and mathematical programming methods are used to solve optimization problems. In the framework of the previously developed model of heat and mass transfer in multistage heat exchangers with multicomponent heat transfer media, the problem of optimizing the structure and operating modes of the system of such heat transfer apparatuses consisting of a mixture of components with different boiling points is formulated and solved. An example of solving this problem is given, which allows one to evaluate the efficiency of component separation and the quality of finished products for the selected objective function. The results can be used in the energy, chemical and food industries to increase the efficiency of resource and energy saving technologies and to obtain pure components with a normalized impurity content in solving problems of choosing the optimal structures and operating modes of similar systems.