Heat Exchanger Network Synthesis and Optimization
Summary
Heat exchanger network synthesis and optimisation is a cornerstone of process integration, aiming to design configurations that maximise recovery of process heat while minimising external utility consumption and capital expenditure. Central to this endeavour is the identification of optimal pairings between hot and cold process streams, subject to thermodynamic constraints and practical considerations such as pressure drops, exchanger types and layout costs. Classical graphical methods, notably Pinch Analysis, establish energy targets and guide retrofit and new-build designs by determining minimum heating and cooling demands. More recently, mathematical programming approaches have evolved from sequential designs to simultaneous, superstructure-based formulations, addressing non-convexities through mixed-integer linear or non-linear programming. Advances in computation and algorithms now permit the incorporation of complex features—multiple utilities, utility level placement, time-dependent operation and integration with work exchange—towards sustainable sites and total-site energy systems. The global significance of this field is underscored by its impact on industrial energy efficiency, decarbonisation pathways and the optimisation of cogeneration and trigeneration schemes across chemical, petrochemical and utility networks.
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Heat Exchanger Network Synthesis and Optimization publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in heat exchanger network synthesis and optimization across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Heat Exchanger Network (HEN): An interconnected set of heat exchangers that transfers thermal energy between process streams to reduce external heating and cooling requirements.
Pinch Analysis: A graphical and analytical method that identifies the minimum heating and cooling targets of a process by locating the ‘pinch point’ where heat recovery is maximised.
Superstructure: A comprehensive design framework that embeds all possible heat exchange and utility options in a unified mathematical model for simultaneous optimisation.
Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP): An optimisation technique that handles decision variables which can be continuous or integer-valued, subject to linear constraints and objectives.
Logarithmic Mean Temperature Difference (LMTD): A measure of the effective temperature driving force for heat transfer in a heat exchanger, calculated as the logarithmic average of temperature differences at both ends of the exchanger.
References
- Style: A new optimization model for Synthesis of uTility sYstems with steam LEvel placement. Computers & Chemical Engineering (2023).
- Combined optimization for retrofitting of heat recovery and thermal energy supply in industrial systems. Applied Energy (2022).
- A Novel Sequential Approach for the Design of Heat Exchanger Networks. Frontiers in Chemical Engineering (2021).
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