Novel MILP-based optimization method for retrofitting heat exchanger networks

Abstract This paper presents a novel optimization method for retrofitting heat exchanger networks (HENs). The developed optimization framework is based on the iterative optimisation of a relatively simple mixed integer linear programming (MILP) which can effectively deal with computational difficulties associated with nonlinearity. The new approach is proposed to facilitate the automated design of HEN retrofit with rigorous consideration of economic trade-off. Case study based on literature examples are carried out to demonstrate the validity and soundness of the proposed approach. Results show that the proposed method can usually find better solutions than those reported in the literature.