I want to minimize TAC of distillation column using optimization module of Aspen Plus.
TAC=energy cost +capital cost/payback period(Objective function).
Energy cost refers to duty of condenser(QC) and duty of reboiler(QR).
Capital cost refers to number of trays(NT), area of reboiler(AR) and condenser area (AC).
It shows we have at least three optimization variables(NT,QR and QC) and all related equations are written in FORTRAN tab of optimization.
Would it be possible to minimize TAC by varying reflux ratio?
As we know, number of trays is specified before. Would it possible to be changed during this kind of optimization?
Dear Shiva
Varying the reflux ratio in this case affects rebioler and condenser duties as well as column diameter; therefore its a good optimization variable to optimize both operating and capital costs in a distillation case with constant feed and products conditions (especially product purity).
however, its possible if you set the number of trays as a constant value, the optimum number of trays change during the optimization but because of severity of optimization its also a good assumption.
Dear Amin
Thanks for the answer.
The feed and product conditions are constant. Column diameter considered constant during optimization but number of trays is specified before optimization. As no. of trays is an integer variable, would it be possible to be optimized without linking it to MATLAB?
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