Intelligent functional approach; A method for analysis and optimal synthesis-design-operation of complex systems

The Intelligent Functional Approach is a method for analysis and optimization of complex systems, e.g. thermal and chemical plants. Units are the basic elements of the system; each unit has one particular function (purpose or product). The distribution of functions established interrelations between units or between the system and the environment, which are depicted in the Functional Diagram of the system. The optimization is considered at three levels: synthesis, design and operation. The method can work on any one of these levels in separate or on all three levels simultaneously in order to determine the overall optimum. Variation of operating conditions with time is taken into consideration also. The structure of the method is such that artificial intelligence (expert systems) can supplement the use of mathematical programming algorithms in order to solve the complex optimization problems efficiently. The general as well as special forms of the method are presented in this paper. This method may be applied to the evaluation of energy systems.