Modelling and real-time optimisation of an industrial cooling-water network

Abstract

This work deals with the problem of distribution of cooling water in an evaporation process. The aim is to develop a Real-Time optimisation (RTO) tool which improves the resource efficiency by supplying the optimal water distribution within a surface-condensers network for a given production demand. The approach includes experimental models and the automatic update of fouling factor. The problem is formulated and solved via nonlinear programming. Production constraints and concerns about the practical implementation are also taken into account in the design of the RTO tool.