Detailed simulation of heat exchanger networks for flexibility consideration

An investigation of the flexibility consideration for heat exchanger networks is carried out. The steady responses to the disturbances of supply temperatures, flow rates, fouling, etc. are obtained through the detailed simulation, which solves a set of linear equations. The relationship, either linear or non-linear, between the responses and different disturbances is demonstrated by the results. Less surface margin, corresponding to less conservative fouling factors, is also studied. This is achieved through trade-off optimization. An industrial case study is conducted, and the results show that up to 12.6% of the total heat transfer surface can be saved because of less conservative fouling factors.