Structure Optimization Based on Pseudo-temperature of Heat Exchanger Network for Batch Processes

The structure optimization of the heat exchanger network (HEN) for batch processes will be studied with the heat directly exchanged network (HDEN) for batch processes based on pseudo-T-H diagram approach (PTHDA), with related content of continuous processes. Heat load loops are determined within each time interval. According to three rules put forward in this paper, including two rules applicable to both continuous and batch processes and one rule applicable to batch processes only, these heat load loops can be disconnected. The structure optimization for batch processes can reduce the number of heat exchange units and meet the minimum annual total cost simultaneously. Two examples are used to show the reliability and validity of the proposed rules.