A simulation-based targeting method for heat pump placements in heat exchanger networks

Heat integration of heat pumps and heat exchanger networks is of great interest because it can utilize low-temperature heat source to supply high-temperature heat sink, saving both hot and cold utilities. In this work, a simulation-based targeting method is proposed for placement of heat pumps in heat exchanger networks to reduce energy consumption. This method combines pinch analysis and rigorous process simulation. Based on the powerful fluid property database, the heat pump system is modelled in Aspen HYSYS. The Problem Table Algorithm is employed to target the demands of hot and cold utilities. Aspen HYSYS and Matlab are then coupled to realize the data transfer between the simulation model and mathematical model, formulating a simulation-based optimization model. The Genetic Algorithm is adopted to solve the formulated model to obtain the best placement of the heat pump. Two cases are analyzed with several working fluids to illustrate the applicability of this method.