The framework has been developed by combining different process systems engineering methodologies – the knowledge-based approach for identifying the root cause of waste generation, the hierarchical design method for generating alternative designs, sustainability metrics, and multi-objective optimization – into one coherent simulation-optimization framework.
On the basis of which the system seeks and generates alternative designs.
The methodology is based on an inherent safety index for comparing process routes and heuristics for identifying hazards and generating alternative designs.
The proposed methodology uses Aspen Energy Analyzer AEAA) to determine the mass flowrates of the bleeding streams while generating alternative designs that can potentially reduce the water consumption by reducing the total cooling requirement.
After generating alternative designs using Aspen Energy Analyzer AEAA), the HENS problem was formulated in the sequential-modular Aspen Plus simulator using a process superstructure approach and solved by mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) algorithms.
Moreover, they can generate alternative CMVM designs under different error constraints, enabling a designer to choose the one that fits best in an application.
The proposed methodology is extremely simple to understand and implement, as it only requires basic solid liquid phase equilibria data and uses lever arm principles to generate alternative process designs.
Basically, this methodology involves a flexible design system, to generate alternative envelope shape designs, with integrated energy simulation, to calculate the energy demand of each design.
To formulate a new evaluation plan, we therefore organised a brainstorming session with all the authors to generate alternative evaluation plans, including other RCT designs and alternative designs.
The aim was to generate alternative solutions for the basic design, in order to be able to perform an economical optimization.
