A new approach to the optimization of multi-stage flash evaporation plants is presented. While retaining the basic features of current theories, the approach presented involves the use of relative values of economic parameters rather than their absolute values. The paper deals with a 3-free-design variable problem of constant output while two cost parameters may vary according to prescribed schedules. Optimization procedures are presented and tested using an illustrative example.
CURRENT theories [4,6,7]
concerning optimization of multi-stage flash evaporation plants are aimed at clarifying the interrelations between the major variables involved. The main objective of the present work, however, is to develop optimization procedures through a new approach which retains as much as possible the basic features of the current theories. Principal optimization variables considered are; number of stages N. terminal temperature difference TTD, performance ratio R and concentration ratio CR. The paper deals with a 3-free-design variable problem of constant output while two cost parameters may vary according to prescribed schedules.
Silver[4] introduced the idea that the unit cost of fresh water is governed by certain economic parameters, namely, volume parameter Vpo, Staging parameter Jpo, Surface parameter SD0 and Energy parameter Epo. The present work, though retaining this basic concept in its early stages of development, it will finally involve the use of the relative values of such economic parameters rather than their absolute values.