Introduction
The optimizer provides a robust method to minimize or maximize component or system parameters. The optimisation functionality in Flownex SE allows users to optimise inputs and system parameters on a network level taking into account system or component efficiencies, results or a user defined parameter.
Optimizer Capabilities
Flownex provides two optimization methods for general system optimization.
The first method is a evolutionary (genetic) algorithm based optimizer.
The second method is a state of the art quadratic approximation search method BOBYQA.
Both these methods can be used for constrained optimization of linear and non linear systems where the gradients of the functions being optimized are unknown. These methods are very well suited to black box constrained optimization problems.
Genetic Optimiser Example
Minimise pipeline life cycle cost
If we consider a pipeline that pumps water over 3km with an elevation of 300m the pipeline diameter will have a large influence on the pumping requirements and life cycle cost (LCC) of the system. To determine the optimum ratio between pipeline diameter, pumping power and LCC a genetic optimisation study can be performed to determine the pipeline diameter related to the minimum LCC.
Minimise irreversible work of a system
The available work in a process is determined between the initial state and the process dead state, which is normally taken as the environmental conditions. The exergy analysis can be used to determine where and how much of the available work is lost due to exergy destruction (irreversibility) and to reduce the irreversibility in order to improve the overall efficiency of the process.
The optimiser will allow engineers to determine conditions which minimise system irreversibility.
Maximise system efficiency
Correctly Sizing the influential components in a Rankin cycle allow engineers to design for the maximum possible system efficiency.
By using the optimiser to determine the optimum requirements from Heat Exchanges, Turbines and Compressors, etc... System efficiencies can be maximised.
