Numerical Formulations For Attainable Region Analysis
Date
2006-11-14T08:44:13Z
Authors
Seodigeng, Tumisang Gerald
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Abstract
Attainable Region analysis is a chemical process synthesis technique that
enables a design engineer to find process unit configurations that can be
used to identify all possible outputs, by considering only the given feed
specifications and permitted fundamental processes. The mathematical
complexity of the attainable regions theory has so far been a major
drawback in the implementation of this powerful technique into standard
process design tools. In the past five years researchers focused on
developing systematic methods to automate the procedure of identifying
the set of all possible outputs termed the Attainable Regions.
This work contributes to the development of systematic numerical
formulations for attainable region analysis. By considering combinations
of fundamental processes of chemical reaction, bulk mixing and heat
transfer, two numerical formulations are proposed as systematic
techniques for automation of identifying optimal process units networks
using the attainable region analysis. The first formulation named the
recursive convex control policy (RCC) algorithm uses the necessary
requirement for convexity to approximate optimal combinations of
fundamental processes that outline the shape of the boundary of the
attainable regions. The recursive convex control policy forms the major
content of this work and several case studies including those of industrial
significance are used to demonstrate the efficiency of this technique. The
ease of application and fast computational run-time are shown by
assembling the RCC into a user interfaced computer application contained
in a compact disk accompanying this thesis. The RCC algorithm enables
identifying solutions for higher dimensional and complex industrial case studies that were previously perceived impractical to solve.
The second numerical formulation uses singular optimal control
techniques to identify optimal combinations of fundamental processes.
This formulation also serves as a guarantee that the attainable region
analysis conforms to Pontryagin’s maximum principle. This was shown by
the solutions obtained using the RCC algorithm being consistent with
those obtained by singular optimal control techniques.
Description
Student Number : 9611112G -
PhD thesis -
School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering -
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Keywords
attainable region, numerical, process synthesis reactor, chemical engineering