Thermo-economic functional analysis and optimization

Thermo-economie functional analysis is a method for optimal design or improvement of complex thermal systems. Thermodynamic concepts are combined with economic considerations in a systems approach. Units are the basic elements of the system; each unit has a particular quantified function (purpose or product). The distribution of functions establishes inter-relations between units or between the system and the environment and leads to a functional diagram of the system. The optimization minimizes the total cost of owning and operating the system, subject to constraints revealed by the functional diagram and analysis. The general formulation and a numerical example are presented.